LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, during a meeting at the Livestock Ministry, reviewed the measures related to livestock rearing and directed to formulate a policy for the export of buffalo milk and meat to China.
The CM said that only vaccinated and marked cattle would be brought to cattle markets and slaughterhouses, adding that authentic data of cattle should be prepared and regularly updated. It directed the authorities concerned to pay special attention to research and development.
Maryam Nawaz was informed about the export potential of the livestock sector. She said more work is needed to control disease and improve the breed. She ordered the creation of a disease control department in Punjab. She said the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control program should be streamlined, adding that vaccination against the disease should be produced locally in large quantities. An advanced mechanism must be created to increase the export of dairy products, she ordered.
The authorities concerned informed the CM that the up-gradation of the vaccine manufacturing laboratories would cost Rs 360 crore and the up-gradation of the zoonotic center would cost Rs 299 crore. It was also reported that improving the breed could increase yield by up to 15-25 percent.
Earlier, the chief minister was informed that livestock accounts for 14.36 percent of the country’s GDP. Punjab produces 62 percent of the country’s milk, 43 percent of meat, 33 percent of mutton and 65 percent of poultry.
The CM was also informed that China imports meat worth $17 billion and milk worth $2 billion. The CM directed to submit a report on the volume of poultry trade with Gulf countries and China. The CM agreed to the proposal to provide motorcycles for veterinarians and vans for mobile ambulances.
The meeting was attended by Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Provincial Agriculture Minister Muhammad Ashiq Hussain, Former Senator Pervaiz Rashid, MPA Sania Ashiq, Principal Secretary, Chairman P&D, Secretaries Finance, Livestock & Dairy Development and other officers.
