Livestock and dairy: Caretaker Punjab CM underscores need for an increased focus

LAHORE: in order to enhance production of meet and beef, chief minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi has directed the concern quarters to formulate a comprehensive policy. He also asked to remove all obstacles in the promotion of beef, mutton and poultry industry.

He was presided over a high-level meeting at CM Office in which steps to increase livestock production along with increasing livestock exports were reviewed. Caretaker CM Mohsin Naqvi has sought a comprehensive plan to bring improvements in livestock and dairy development across Punjab.

It was decided during the meeting to take steps on an emergency basis for the promotion of meat and poultry industry in Punjab. It was principally decided during the meeting to declare Bahawalpur division as ‘Meat Division’ of Punjab. He was informed during the meeting that foreign exchange amounting to billions of dollars can be earned with the export of meat and poultry in Punjab.

Halal certification of livestock production and traceability is a mandatory step for exports. Punjab province has the capability to export livestock and dairy products to Saudi Arabia and China amounting to billions of dollars. Poultry industry will have to be driven towards latest mechanization.

Fawad Mukhtar, Naveed Iqbal and Professor Talat Naseer Pasha gave a briefing and put forth their recommendations. Provincial Minister Ibrahim Hassan Murad, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretary Local Government, Secretary Finance and concerned officials attended the meeting. Famous businessman Syed Yawar Ali participated in the meeting via video link.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023