Livestock farming is crucial to combating rural poverty

Livestock is considered a valuable asset, not only to keep the kitchen running smoothly on a daily basis but also to help meet expenses in emergency situations. About 67 percent of the rural population in the culturally rich region of Sargodha division is directly linked to the livestock sector. The presence of animals is like a check that can be cashed at any time.

Livestock has a share of more than 14 percent in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). It has enormous potential not to alleviate poverty in rural areas but can also revolutionize the living standards of the people. Pakistan ranks fifth among milk producing countries. Milk and meat production could be significantly improved by working on animal genetics. The best semen quality can play a crucial role in improving animal health and milk and meat production. Likewise, it could also help generate maximum income for both the farmers and the country’s economy.

Nationally, approximately 10 million people keep livestock. According to the Animal Census and Economic Survey Report, there are 58.7 million large animals in the country. Similarly, the country has 83.3 million small animals (goats). According to the latest Economic Survey Report, milk production has increased from 63.698 million tonnes to 69.784 million tonnes.

In addition, Sargodha district had 4,611,324 large animals (buffalo, cows), 2,882,689 small animals (goats, sheep) and 1,975,816 rural poultry. Besides, the farmers are also rearing 919 camels, sources in the Livestock Department said. In rural areas it is easy to raise animals because of the cultural environment, easy access to infrastructure and food. In rural communities, the role of women farmers in livestock farming is of great importance. Without the participation of women farmers, the livestock sector could not be managed properly, said Deputy Director of Livestock Dr. Wajid Ali here on Sunday in a conversation with APP.

He said livestock plays an important role in poverty alleviation in rural areas. He recalled that the government had launched a special initiative to provide buffaloes and cows to widows, especially those from rural areas. The government had a very unique idea to provide animals to widows whose children were receiving school education. The Livestock Department has provided a large number of small and large animals to widows after thorough verification by the schools concerned. The widows now successfully run their kitchen.

Kosar Noureen, a widow and resident of Shah Nikdur in Sillanwali, who got a large animal in 2020, told APP: “I own one buffalo and one calf and it is a good source of my regular income.”

She said she also earned Rs180,000 by selling three calves. She expressed her pleasure and thanked the government for supplying the buffalo which helped her overcome economic challenges. Rauf, a resident of Farooqa, said he would like to sacrifice an animal on Eid ul Azha. He said he bought a small animal for Rs 20,000 and cared for it for the whole year. He expressed his joy at having sacrificed the animal for the first time in his life.

Similarly, Nadia Bibi and Rukhsana Bibi, widows and farmers, who live in Sobhaga, also shared their success stories and commended the government for regularly creating economic opportunities for their families.

Naila Bibi, another farmer from Noorpur, said she had received animals on a sharing basis from an investor a few years ago. Rimsha recalled that she was a poor girl before she took up the profession of livestock farming and that she now owned 26 animals.

Muhammad Usman of Eeeni, another cattle farmer, who had completed a six-month livestock management diploma from the Sargodha Institute of Cattle Farming, said he had 16 animals. He said his son was also a student at the institution. Usman said that he used to sell an animal by paying a semester fee. “Animals are a good asset in an emergency situation. I also managed the expenses for my two younger brothers’ weddings by rearing cattle,” he added.

Dr. Wajid said the Animal Husbandry Department had launched several programs including fattening of calves, rescue of buffalo calves, advisory services, provision of free animals and poultry units at subsidized prices. He stated that meat and milk production could be improved by following certain steps including ensiling, promoting Rhodes grass etc. “Mainstock with high genetics should also be promoted. If there is no price ceiling on milk and meat, there could be more growth because people will invest in the sector. While there will be competition, it will definitely increase profitability and ultimately lead to tremendous productivity,” he added.

He claimed that the livestock department was also vaccinating animals as it had recently imported vaccinations.