Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, led a high-level meeting with officials from the Livestock and Dairy Development Board (LDDB) today. The discussions centered around evaluating the current status of Pakistan’s livestock sector and formulating strategies for its future progress. The Minister underscored the sector’s pivotal role, highlighting its contributions to rural livelihoods and economic stability.

The Minister pointed out that livestock is the most significant sub-sector within agriculture, contributing 14.63% to Pakistan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounting for 60.84% of the agriculture value added. The sector is also crucial to national exports, with net foreign exchange earnings making up about 1.6% of the country’s total exports.

“The livestock sector provides essential raw materials for local industries, generates markets, and creates capital. More importantly, it offers social security for rural households,” stated Rana Tanveer Hussain. He remarked on its importance as a financial safety net, especially in rainfed areas, offering stability against crop failures.

The Minister noted that over eight million rural families in Pakistan depend on livestock as their main source of income. This sector presents a viable opportunity for targeted investments from both public and private entities, focusing on poverty alleviation in vulnerable rural areas.

He emphasized that a well-functioning livestock sector is not only crucial for achieving food security and economic growth but also for generating employment and contributing to national development.

“The eradication of poverty, particularly in rural regions, can be significantly advanced through the livestock sector,” the Minister asserted. He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving conditions for small farmers by enhancing access to veterinary services, feed resources, financial aid, and market connectivity.

Source: Press Information Department