Interview of Major General (R) Shahid Mahmood, Chairman GCLI – Green Corporate Livestock Initiative

Green Corporate Livestock Initiative (GCLI) has started bovine sexed semen production in Pakistan, while more than five IVF labs have also been established in Pakistan. We are taking steps for the development of the corporate and commercial sectors as well as small farmers. Huge investments have been made in the livestock genetics sector, and various institutions have come into existence. Bulls have been imported from Brazil to provide high-quality semen and embryos. We are trying to make embryos and sexed semen available to small farmers in Pakistan. These views were expressed by Chairman GCLI – Green Corporate Livestock Initiative Major General (R) Shahid Mahmood in an exclusive interview.

GCLI and Its Objectives

Chairman GCLI Major General (R) Shahid Mahmood said that the Green Corporate Livestock Initiative (GCLI) is part of the Green Pakistan Initiative, which was launched under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Field Marshal. The aim of this special initiative of the Government of Pakistan is to promote investment in the livestock sector in Pakistan and take special measures for the development of the livestock sector. GCLI brings together all stakeholders, including the federal and provincial governments, educational institutions, farmers, processors, the private sector, and investors on one platform and is working on various projects for the development and prosperity of the corporate sector as well as small farmers.

He said that livestock is playing an important role in the country’s economy, while its share in the agricultural GDP is more than 61%. Nevertheless, there is a huge scope for growth and an increase in production in the livestock sector. GCLI is trying to increase the production of small-scale livestock. He said that more than eighty percent of small farmers are farmers who have fewer than five animals. Along with this, the genetic potential of animals has also been badly affected due to years of a lack of planning. We are paying special attention to improving the genetic potential of animals, which aims to increase the productivity of ordinary farmers’ animals and provide them with wide business opportunities.

More Details about GCLI

He further said that Green Corporate Livestock Initiative is also trying to provide semen and embryos to farmers at low prices. For this, the federal and provincial governments are working on subsidy of semen and embryos.

Strengthening Small Farmers

Chairman GCLI Major General (R) Shahid Mahmood said that we recognize the importance of the corporate sector in the field of livestock and dairy farming and are also taking steps to promote corporate farming, but at the same time we cannot ignore small farmers. Our GRIDD program is ongoing to provide better business opportunities to small farmers. Under the Grass Root Incentivized Dairy Development Program, dairy farmers, dairy processors, and dairy input suppliers are brought together on a single platform, and their mutual cooperation is promoted.

He said, the aim of this project is to increase their production by providing quality feed, medicines, machinery, semen, and other facilities to the farmers and to ensure a good price for their produce through linkages with various business entities. We want small farmers to get better business opportunities and increase their profit margins. Under this project, we also focus on awareness and training of farmers and ensure the provision of quality veterinary services to farmers in collaboration with the Livestock Department.

GCLI Strengthening Livestock Genetics

Chairman GCLI Major General (R) Shahid Mahmood said that practical steps are being taken for the provision of semen and embryos in Pakistan. Under the efforts of GCLI under SIFC (Special Investment Facilitation Council), various institutions have been established through investment in the field of livestock genetics. These institutions have imported the best and highest breeds of bulls and heifers in the world. These breeds include Brahman, Friesian, Sahiwal, Gir, Gazira, Girolando, Wagyu, Red Sindhi, Dhani, Bhagnari, and others. The semen and embryos of these animals, imported from Brazil, are being provided at very reasonable prices.

Details about Brazilian Cattle Breeds in Pakistan 

Chairman Green Corporate Livestock Initiative Major General (R) Shahid Mahmood said that, along with dairy breeds, we are also working on beef breeds. For this purpose, we have imported bulls like Brahman, Angus, Braford, Shabrae, and Wagyu. We want farmers to develop separate breeds of meat animals.

He said that more than five embryo production labs (IVF Labs) have been established in Pakistan, while work is underway on more. On the other hand, a series of successful embryo transfers is also being carried out by these institutions.

He said that we are also working on local breeds like Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Nili Ravi, and Kandi buffalo. We have obtained renowned animals from local breeders from GCLI and other institutions established under SIFC, while some animals of these breeds have also been ordered from Brazil. Embryos and semen of these animals are also being provided. These breeds are the genetic heritage of Pakistan and perform well in our environment. We are paying special attention to preserving these breeds and improving their genetic potential.

Bovine Sexed Semen Production by GCLI

Major General (R) Shahid Mahmood further said that GCLI’s unique initiative is the start of the production of bovine sexed semen in Pakistan. At present, sexed semen is used only on corporate and large commercial farms. Due to its high cost, it is out of reach of small farmers. We have imported the world’s best technology for the production of sexed semen locally. The aim is to ensure the supply of sexed semen to small farmers at the most reasonable price.

He said that the sexed semen ST Genetics technology has been transferred to Pakistan for the production of semen. It is considered one of the best technologies in the world. Thanks to this, we will be able to provide both male and female sexed semen. That is, now farmers will be able to choose before breeding whether they want a calf or a heifer. He further said that the agreement with ST Genetics includes a clause that whatever innovation in technology will be provided in Pakistan for the next five years will also be provided.

More about the Sexed Smen Project 

Climate Change and the Livestock Sector

Major General (R) Shahid Mahmood said that we are also focusing on important aspects like climate change and environmental changes. We are trying to increase the production per animal so that more production can be obtained from fewer animals. Furthermore, we are also working on recycling by promoting the use of biogas and vermicompost fertilizer. Along with this, we are also encouraging drip irrigation systems so that water wastage is minimized.

GCLI Steps for Livestock Exports

Chairman Green Corporate Livestock Initiative further said that we are also working on traceability and halal certification for the export of meat and milk. With the help of PITB, we have started a digital tag and trace system. It costs only Rs 150-200. By registering in this system, a complete digital record of the animal is available. In collaboration with the provincial livestock departments, we are linking more and more animals to this system. Further, we have strengthened the Pakistan Halal Authority and introduced a national logo, which will certify all products with a single logo and increase their value.

Chairman GCLI Message for the Farmers

Chairman GCLI Major General (R) Shahid Mahmood said that Pakistan’s farmers and livestock are our most valuable assets. They play a vital role in the national food security as well as the country’s economy. We can ensure food security by protecting small farmers and making their work profitable. He said that farmers should take full advantage of the facilities provided by the Green Corporate Livestock Initiative and its affiliated institutions. We will continue to take steps for the development and prosperity of farmers.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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