Ahmed Khan Malik

The Balochistan government has rolled out various initiatives in the new budget to promote livestock farming in the province, aiming to boost rural livelihoods and enhance meat and dairy production.

The provincial government has allocated over Rs 2 billion under various schemes to strengthen the livestock sector, which supports nearly 70% of the province’s rural population. The initiative includes soft loans, veterinary services, improved infrastructure, and animal health interventions to address longstanding challenges faced by livestock farmers. Balochistan government’s renewed focus on this sector is being seen as a critical move towards economic diversification and rural development of the sector.

Officials said that livestock plays a crucial role in Balochistan’s economy and that the government is committed to its development. “Our objective is to empower rural youth, increase farmers’ incomes, and make livestock farming a sustainable and profitable enterprise,” Shoaib Raisani, Director of Agriculture, told WealthPK. One of the key initiatives under the new plan is the provision of soft loans to young entrepreneurs and graduates interested in establishing livestock farms.

“The scheme offers low-interest financing for cattle, goat, sheep, poultry, and camel farming projects. The loans are aimed at encouraging self-employment and reducing rural-to-urban migration”, he said. In addition, the government will deploy mobile veterinary teams across all 36 districts to deliver animal healthcare, vaccinations, and advisory services at farmers’ doorsteps. Officials from the Livestock Department stated that the mobile units will help prevent disease outbreaks and improve overall livestock productivity.

The budget also includes funding for the construction and upgrade of veterinary hospitals and dispensaries in remote areas. A state-of-the-art Veterinary Training Institute will be established in Turbat at a cost of Rs 750 million to train skilled manpower in animal health and husbandry, he said. Furthermore, the government has announced plans to set up meat-processing and dairy-processing plants, along with modern livestock markets and cold-chain facilities.

These value-addition measures aim to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the marketing and export potential of livestock products. To further support farmers, equipment subsidies and weight gain programs for sheep and goats will be introduced. These initiatives are expected to enhance animal weights and increase earnings from local and export sales. Shoaib said that this scheme will transform Balochistan into a major livestock production and export hub.

“This is a step in the right direction,” he said, adding that consistent monitoring, transparency, and coordination between departments will be ensured for its success. He added that the government plans to introduce livestock insurance schemes and breed improvement programs to promote disease resistance and enhance milk and meat yields. The government is also working on improved rangeland management policies to ensure sustainable grazing practices.

“The Chief Minister has instructed relevant departments to ensure strict oversight and prevent misuse of funds. This is a golden opportunity to lift rural communities out of poverty. We must not let it go to waste,” he said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk