ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research convened its 30th meeting to address persistent challenges within Pakistan’s livestock sector. The meeting, chaired by Syed Hussain Tariq, MNA, focused on issues impacting the cattle, poultry, and dairy segments, aiming to devise sustainable solutions for enhancing the sector’s potential.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the committee was briefed on several constraints plaguing the livestock sector, including high production costs, limited subsidies, and challenges in breed improvement. The committee urged the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to engage with federal and provincial authorities to mitigate these issues and promote local inputs and mechanization.

Additionally, concerns were raised about the availability and import of essential veterinary medicines and equipment, and the need for a robust regulatory framework for veterinary pharmaceuticals. The committee advised the ministry to ensure coordination for facilitating imports and regulating the use of antibiotics.

Export-related challenges were also highlighted, such as trade barriers and inadequate market identification. The committee instructed the Ministry of Commerce to address these barriers and enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets. Emphasis was placed on the need for export facilitation centres and increased international market exposure through trade events and missions.

The committee underscored the importance of coordinated measures to transform Pakistan into a competitive, export-oriented livestock producer, aiming to boost productivity and farmers’ incomes. The meeting was attended by several members of the National Assembly and senior officials from relevant ministries.