By Azeem Ahmed Khan

Pakistan is moving to accelerate livestock exports by establishing dedicated meat processing export zones and internationally compliant disease-free compartments, as part of broader efforts to modernise one of the country’s fastest-growing economic sectors.

Modern slaughterhouses and time-bound financial support schemes are also being introduced to attract investment and encourage value-added livestock exports, according to the Year Book 2024-25 released by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and available with Wealth Pakistan.

Breed improvement has emerged as another major focus area, with plans for the development of nucleus herds, imports of high-yield dairy and meat breeds, and the introduction of advanced genetic materials including sexed semen, embryos and ova.

The report said these initiatives are expected to improve productivity, generate employment opportunities and strengthen national food security.

Animal husbandry continues to play a vital role in Pakistan’s rural economy, supporting more than eight million rural families and contributing nearly 35% to 40% of household income in farming communities, according to the Year Book.

The livestock sector has also consolidated its position as the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural economy, accounting for 61.2% of agriculture’s value addition and contributing 14.7% to the country’s GDP during FY2024-25.

According to the report, the sector maintained steady growth, with gross value addition increasing from Rs5,587 billion in 2022-23 to Rs5,837 billion in 2023-24, reflecting a growth rate of 4.4%.

Livestock contributed approximately 2.9% to Pakistan’s total exports during FY2024-25, highlighting its increasing importance as a source of foreign exchange earnings.

To further strengthen the sector, the government is pursuing a private sector-led development strategy supported by public-sector policy measures.

The strategy focuses on improving veterinary healthcare services, modernising breeding and animal husbandry practices, expanding artificial insemination coverage and promoting balanced livestock nutrition.

Authorities are also intensifying efforts to control economically significant diseases, including Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Peste des Petits Ruminants, Lumpy Skin Disease and Avian Influenza to improve productivity and protect livestock trade.

The report noted that the government aims to unlock the livestock sector’s full potential to support economic growth, strengthen food security and improve rural livelihoods through diversification and modernisation of livestock businesses.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s poultry industry also continued to maintain strong momentum, generating employment for more than 1.5 million people nationwide and contributing gross value addition of Rs853 billion to the economy.

Over the past decade, the poultry sector has recorded an average annual growth rate of 8.1%, helping position Pakistan as the world’s 11th-largest poultry producer.

The sector currently contributes approximately 43.3% to Pakistan’s total meat production, making it an important component of the country’s food supply chain and nutritional requirements.

The development strategy for poultry focuses on disease prevention, modernisation of production systems, value-added processing, improved husbandry practices and product diversification.

To support the industry, the government has introduced farmer-friendly policies aimed at strengthening both commercial and rural poultry farming.

Despite challenges including disease outbreaks, rising feed prices, production costs and market fluctuations, officials believe continued reforms and investment could further strengthen the long-term growth potential of Pakistan’s livestock and poultry sectors while supporting exports, rural incomes and food security.

Credit: INP-WealthPk