Punjab imposes emergency for increasing Livestock productivity

LAHORE : In view of the importance of livestock in the province of Punjab, the caretaker provincial government has decided to impose emergency.

On the instructions of the Chief Minister of Punjab, a committee has been formed with a mandate to launch comprehensive strategy for the five-fold increase in livestock production. 

Provincial Livestock and Dairy Development Minister Ibrahim Hasan Murad will be the convener of the committee, which will include Additional Chief Secretary, S&GAD, Secretary Finance Department and Secretary Livestock and Dairy Development as members.

The committee will formulate proposals based on consultation with stakeholders. It will prepare recommendations to take a final call on fixing prices of dairy and livestock products or introducing market-based mechanism for the sector.

As a first step, a ban has been imposed on the slaughter of useful female animals, which will be applicable in all districts. The committees has sought final plan in this connection to increase livestock production and export. Animal disease-free zones will be established in Punjab also. Instead of lengthy presentations, a short and concise plan will be prepared so that immediate implementation is made possible.

There is a lot of scope to export livestock in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. A viable plan is to increase the export of livestock to the Gulf countries. Immediate steps are to be taken to increase production and exports without wasting time as per instruction of Chief Minister Punjab.