Pakistan’s internationally recognized dairy buffalo breeds, particularly the high milk-yielding Nili-Ravi breed, are set to gain greater access to global markets through expanded cooperation with China in livestock genetics, embryo export, and advanced breeding technologies.

The development came during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, according to a Gwadar Pro's report.

The meeting brought together senior ministry officials, representatives of the Animal Quarantine Department (AQD), technical experts, and delegates from Chinese companies engaged in livestock breeding and biotechnology.

According to an official statement, discussions focused on the export potential of buffalo embryos from Pakistan to China, development of livestock genetics, enhancement of milk production, and cooperation in modern breeding technologies aimed at promoting Pakistan’s premium dairy breeds internationally.

The Chinese delegation praised Pakistan’s globally recognized buffalo breeds and expressed keen interest in strengthening cooperation in animal genetics and embryo transfer technology. Participants highlighted that Pakistan possesses some of the world’s finest dairy buffalo breeds, especially the Nili-Ravi breed, known for its superior genetic traits and high milk production capacity.

The meeting noted that increasing global demand for premium dairy genetics is creating significant export and investment opportunities for Pakistan’s livestock sector.

Experts observed that countries facing climate-related agricultural challenges are increasingly seeking resilient and high-performing livestock breeds, placing Pakistan in a strong position in the international dairy genetics market.

Rana Tanveer Hussain said the livestock sector holds immense potential for boosting exports and earning valuable foreign exchange and added, “Pakistan’s high-quality dairy breeds could play a major role in strengthening agricultural trade cooperation with friendly countries, particularly China.”

“Stronger cooperation with China in livestock and dairy development will positively contribute to Pakistan’s agricultural economy and create new opportunities for farmers, breeders, and exporters,” the minister said.

Senior Director In-Charge of the Animal Sciences Division, Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, stressed the need for an internationally compliant framework for the export of biological and genetic material. He said Pakistan’s elite livestock genetics are a valuable national asset that require both promotion and protection.

Andrabi said the proposed Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) would safeguard Pakistan’s genetic and intellectual rights while facilitating transparent and sustainable international cooperation in livestock biotechnology and embryo transfer programs.

Technical experts attending the meeting said the global livestock industry is rapidly adopting advanced breeding technologies and genetic improvement programs to enhance milk production and strengthen food security.

They added that Pakistan, owing to elite breeds such as Nili-Ravi buffalo and Sahiwal cattle, has strong potential to emerge as a leading supplier of premium dairy genetics worldwide.

The Chinese delegation welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to establish a transparent and organized system for livestock genetic cooperation and expressed confidence that enhanced collaboration would open new avenues for trade, investment, and scientific partnership between the two countries.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China