Price cap damaging livestock industry: experts

Experts of the Dairy Science Park (DSP) have voiced concern over capping the price of meat and milk at much lower rates than the production price.
They said such a situation discourages the producers of prime quality meat and milk to compete in the market and they are punished for higher prices, while those selling adulterated and low quality products on lower rates are promoted, they said, adding that this damages the industrial growth and deprives consumers of the access to quality foods.
They stated this during a meeting attended by Chief Patron DSP Professor M S Qureshi, executive members DSP Hafeez-ur-Rahman, Engr Irfan Qureshi and others.
ILRI was represented by Dr Nadar Khan and the support being extended for introduction of improved maize and fodder varieties and improving farming system at Peshawar and Swat were reviewed and appreciated.
Professor Qureshi briefed the house on developments made so far, since 1998, with preparation of Chief Minister's Livestock Development Plan. The mission has shown significant growth during the period and provincial government is considering regulatory, financial and development support for the medium sized farmers. A slaughter house is being established at Regi Town through joint efforts of DSP and Peshawar Development Authority.
The participants thanked provincial minister for Local Government Inayatullah Khan for sponsoring these activities and his advice to establish Animal Science Park through an act of the provincial assembly.
The participants recommended farmers visit to model farms in Punjab. It was recommended that farmers' clusters may be provided appropriate service packages in collaboration with development and business organisations. Jan Arcade has been provided relief package in pricing the district administration through quality control certification by DSP. It was recommended that the farmers producing quality animals must be extended this price relief, after registration with DSP. Animals source and the quality of farm inputs will be certified to get consumers confidence. Similar system will be introduced at milk production and marketing network.