ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan could become the world’s top dairy producer if it improved farm productivity and strengthened its supply chain using modern technology, better practices, and value-added products.
Addressing a National Dairy Conference on Wednesday, the Minister said Pakistan has a strong livestock sector but low milk output per animal, high losses, and limited processing are holding the country back from reaching its full dairy potential.
He noted that Pakistan is the world’s fourth largest milk producer, but each animal produces only about 1,800 to 2,000 litres of milk, while leading countries produce between 8,000 and 14,000 litres.
“If we even double our dairy productivity, Pakistan can become the world’s top milk-producing country,” he said.
He said the government was linking livestock development with its export-led growth plan under Uraan Pakistan, where boosting exports is the main focus of economic policy.
The Minister called on stakeholders, investors, and experts to work together to modernize the dairy sector, saying Pakistan has the resources and market potential to become a global dairy leader.
He said that much of the sector’s potential was being wasted because of poor management and lack of value-added products. He pointed out that nearly 15 percent of Pakistan’s milk is wasted, and less than 10 percent is processed, while more than 90 percent is sold through informal and unhygienic channels.
He stressed the need to develop modern milk collection systems, cold storage, and processing facilities to cut losses and improve quality for local use and exports.
He added that organized corporate farming and technology-based livestock management should be expanded beyond a few model farms.
“Why Pakistani dairy products can’t be sold on store shelves around the world like those from Denmark and New Zealand?” he asked, urging a shift toward value addition and branded dairy exports.
The Minister said, “Even the poorest farmers depend on one or two buffaloes for income. If their milk production improves, it will bring strong social and economic benefits.”
He added that district-level export plans were being prepared with the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to identify and promote local products, including dairy.
The minister also stressed the importance of research and innovation, mentioning new national centers for livestock and genomics to improve breeding, control diseases, and raise productivity using modern science.
“A policy is like a seed — it only grows when it is given time and the right environment,” he said, emphasizing that steady and long-term reforms are needed to turn dairy into a strong export industry.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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