Livestock Development Strategy launched by Sindh Government under GRASP Project of EU

The government of Sindh has conducted comprehensive work on the Livestock Development Strategy. The Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) project of the European Union (EU) has collaborated for this. This work includes the livestock and Dairy Development Strategy for Sindh including Foot and Mouth Disease Control Strategy. Besides the FMD Control Strategy, this initiative has also covered the Meat Sector Development Strategy and Leather Sector Development Strategy. DCFA Pakistan and other stakeholder also give their inputs during the consultative process. This comprehensive strategic work has been launched in a ceremony held in Karachi.

Livestock Development Strategy – Launch Ceremony

Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah represented the Chief Minister at the ceremony. Minister for Livestock Fisheries Muhammad Ali Malkani also graced the ceremony. President DCFA Pakistan Shakir Umar Gujjar, Dr. Nazir Hussain Kalhoro, Dr. Hizbullah Bhutto, and other officers also joined this ceremony.

Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah highlighted the project’s efforts to advance rural development and economic stability in Sindh. He stressed introducing skill-development courses in livestock farming for rural students, aiming for broader economic stability and livestock and dairy development. He also highlighted the importance of livestock breed development in Sindh. Moreover, he emphasized the significance of farmers’ training on husbandry practices.

Essential Veterinary Medicines List and Vaccines for Livestock and Pets

Livestock and Fisheries Minister Muhammad Ali Malkani described the project as a transformative initiative for the livestock sector, promising improved employment opportunities and national prosperity. He expressed gratitude to the EU for its support in formulating strategies. He emphasized the need to address challenges such as low productivity, disease prevalence, and limited market access. Malkani stressed that collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity among stakeholders would be key to the success of the livestock development strategy.

اکنامک سروے، لائیوسٹاک اعدادوشمار پر تفصیلی رپورٹ

Dr. Kazim Jatoi, livestock secretary, highlighted the department’s progress in vaccine production, revealing that most vaccines are now produced locally at the animal husbandry institute. He also mentioned ongoing negotiations with institutions in Turkey and Russia to produce FMD vaccines in Sindh.

EU and Livestock Development Strategy

Representatives of the European Union and International Trade Centre also shared their perspectives. Mario Ronconi from the European Commission noted that implementing the strategies effectively would be the next major challenge. Robert Skidmore of the International Trade Centre outlined efforts to enhance the capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises through improved value-chain mechanisms.

Components of Strategies

Dairy Development Strategy

The Dairy Development Strategy under the GRASP Project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming Sindh’s dairy sector into a driver of economic growth and rural development. It focuses on establishing a robust governance framework through the Livestock Development Council, enforcing quality and safety standards via the Sindh Dairy Produce Act, and ensuring fair pricing mechanisms by removing rigid price controls.

The strategy emphasizes genetic improvement, disease control, climate-smart feed systems, and empowering rural communities, particularly women, through capacity building and gender-inclusive programs. It promotes investment in renewable energy and modern dairy practices while enhancing market access through pasteurization laws, quality testing, and value addition. Leveraging research, innovation, and collaborative partnerships, the roadmap envisions a sustainable, inclusive, and productive dairy sector for Sindh.

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FMD Control Strategy

The FMD Control Strategy for Sindh, developed under the EU-funded GRASP Project, aims to address the widespread prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease, which severely impacts livestock productivity and farmer livelihoods. The strategy focuses on aligning with national and OIE standards, improving veterinary infrastructure, expanding vaccination programs, establishing FMD-free zones, and integrating advanced surveillance systems. This FMD control strategy focuses especially on local vaccine production and supply to control foot and mouth disease.

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Meat Sector Development Strategy

The Meat Sector Development Strategy for Sindh aims to transform meat production. It addresses challenges like high calf mortality and limited disease-free zones. The plan tackles inefficient infrastructure and unlocks economic growth potential. Key recommendations include male calf rearing and milk replacer programs. Training for farmers will improve livestock management. Modernizing feedlots, slaughterhouses, and markets is a priority. The strategy integrates e-commerce and academic collaboration. Strengthening market linkages will support farmers, processors, and exporters. The goal of this meat sector development strategy is a sustainable, profitable, and globally competitive meat industry.

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Leather Sector Development Strategy

The Leather Sector Development Strategy for Sindh focuses on key reforms. It aims to position the province as a global leader in leather production. The strategy includes policy changes to transfer slaughterhouse governance to the provincial government. It emphasizes improving slaughtering practices and enhancing the quality of hides and skins. Environmental assessments for tanneries will promote sustainability. Organized leather collection systems will streamline operations. A feasibility study will explore establishing a processing zone in Hyderabad. These initiatives aim to improve industry efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness. They will drive economic growth and create jobs in the region.

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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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