Challenges in Meat Exports and Potential of Meat Exports in Pakistan
Challenges in Meat Exports and Potential of Meat Exports. This article highlights importance of meat export along with meat export challenges and meat export potential. Pakistan has conventional livestock system. Moreover, it has also commercial livestock farming. Already, Pakistan exporting meat to Gulf and other countries. | پاکستان سے گوشت کی ایکسپورٹ کے حوالے سے درپیش چیلنجز اور مواقع
پاکستان سے چائنہ کو ہیٹ ٹریٹڈ گوشت ایکسپورٹ، آرگینک میٹ کمپنی جنوبی ایشیاء کی پہلی کمپنی
میٹ ایکسپورٹ سیکٹر کو انڈسٹری کا درجہ دیا جائے, لاہور چیمبر میں میاں عبدالحنان کا مطالبہ
Pakistan produced about 4.9 million tonnes of meat in 2020-21, but only around 55,991 tonnes (about 2%) were exported, mainly to Gulf and some Far Eastern countries. Meat production is still largely based on traditional practices, although the industry has grown rapidly over the last two decades. Livestock contributes significantly to agriculture and the national economy, and millions of rural families depend on it for income.
Pakistan aims to increase meat and meat product exports to $500 million, with markets such as Jordan, Indonesia, Egypt, and China offering opportunities. Jordan approved three Pakistani meat processing companies, and Indonesia has shown interest in importing Pakistani meat. China has emerged as the world’s largest beef importer, creating a major opportunity for Pakistan.
However, the biggest obstacle remains Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). Since many importing countries restrict meat imports from FMD-affected regions, experts emphasize the need to establish FMD-free zones, particularly around Lahore and Kasur, and to implement nationwide vaccination programs. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE) allows exports from disease-free zones even if a country has FMD.
Another emerging threat is Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), which has raised concerns among foreign buyers. Experts warn that failure to control the disease could negatively affect exports.
Pakistan has advantages such as a growing livestock population, halal-certified slaughterhouses, and access to Chinese markets through tariff concessions. However, experts stress that increasing exports requires a three-pronged strategy:
- Improving animal management practices.
- Enhancing breeding and nutrition to raise livestock quality to international standards.
- Strengthening processing, value addition, and marketing.
With better disease control, quality improvement, and market access, Pakistan has the potential to become a major player in the global halal meat market and significantly increase its meat exports.
