Boosting Meat Production in Pakistan through Sustainable Livestock Farming

Dr. Baz Mohammad JunejoEx-Secretary, Livestock and Fisheries, Sindh

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Pakistan is currently facing a major meat crisis, with only around 50% of national demand being met—much of it with substandard meat. This not only raises serious public health concerns but also emphasizes the need for a modern, scientific, and sustainable livestock system. To ensure food security and improve economic outcomes for farmers, hygienic and high-quality meat production must become a national priority.

Notably, arid and semi-arid regions in Pakistan offer ideal ecological conditions for livestock farming, especially meat production.

Current Challenges

Low-Quality Animals: Many slaughtered animals are weak or diseased, leading to poor meat quality and health risks. Lack of Specialized Breeds: There is a shortage of livestock breeds tailored for meat production. Inefficient Practices: Traditional farming methods, inadequate feed, and poor disease control lower productivity and farmer profitability.

Proposed Solution: Farmer-Led Meat Companies

Establish registered meat companies in arid and semi-arid regions, formed by groups of 10–20 farmers and registered under the Companies Act or Cooperative Societies Act. These companies would:

Maintain breeding stock for meat production
Provide veterinary and feeding services
Ensure a consistent supply of quality meat

Livestock Production Enhancement

DR. ALI BUTT

Unlocking the Potential of Indigenous Breeds

Local breeds such as Tharparkar, Kankrej, and Cholistani are naturally suited to arid climates. With targeted:

Breeding Programs
Feed management
Disease control

Strategic Recommendations

1. Collaborative Research:

Partner agricultural universities with private/public sectors to convert farms into breeding, feeding, and training centers.

2. Farmer Education:

Train farmers in modern breeding, nutrition, and disease prevention techniques.

3. Breed Improvement Programs:

Focus on traits such as early maturity, adaptability, and weight gain.

Fattening & Processing Operations

Improve fattening techniques for young male buffalo, goats, sheep, and indigenous cattle by feeding them on high-energy rations until maturity.

Fattening Guidelines:

Water: 10% of body weight daily

Feed: Maize silage or high-quality green fodder

Nutrition: Concentrate feed mix

Structure of a Meat Company

Members: 10–20 farmers

Livestock per member: At least 30 cows, 100 goats, 100 sheep

Support: Input supply (feed, seeds), veterinary services on a no-profit, no-loss basis

Key Benefits

Higher Meat Quality: Proper fattening, slaughter age, and hygiene
Better Genetics: Quality breeding animals from mother farms
Increased Incomes: Improved efficiency and direct market access

Livestock Availability in Key Regions

Sindh: 5+ million breeding cows producing 2.5 million male calves annually

Abundant Small Ruminants: Pateri, Bari (goats); Kooka, Kachhi (sheep)

Cholistan (Punjab): Similar availability and growth potential

Livestock Crises Management

DR. ALI BUTT

Profitable Ventures to Explore

Teddy Goats: Known for fast growth and multiple births—ideal for meat.

Ostrich Farming: High-profit venture with strong demand, especially for export.

Establishing Meat Zones & Export Growth

Set up at least five meat companies per province
Sell both raw and processed meat, locally and internationally
Target the global halal meat market to boost exports and foreign exchange earnings