griculture constitutes the largest sector of national economy. It contributes about 24 percent of Gross Domestic Product and accounts for 37.4 percent of the employed labour force. Livestock management occupies a prominent position in the dairy ambit of this sector. In the financial year 2022-23, it grew by 3.78 percent, contributing 14.36 percent of GDP and around 62.68 percent of the value added to agriculture.

The livestock sector supports more than 8 million rural families that derive around 35-40 percent of their incomes. According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan, in year 2022-23, gross value of livestock stood at Rs 5.6 billion.

The Punjab contributes 57 percent to national livestock production across more than 70,000 acres of farms. The scale of human engagement is remarkable, with approximately 40 million people involved in livestock raising in the Punjab alone. Sindh stands second, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. This extensive participation of small farmers and rural families indicates that the dairy sector is a major industry. However, a look at the infrastructure reveals major gaps and obsolete practices. The infrastructure gaps in health and upkeep of herds, uneducated farmers and sparse access to vets make cattle rearing a challenge. Up to 30 percent of the calves die every year.

Other challenges include traditional breeding techniques, inadequate feed, lack of modern dairy farming knowledge and insufficient capital. A UVAS expert says those wishing to do well in dairy farming must dedicate themselves to the optimum growth of their calves. Today’s calf, after all is the cow of tomorrow.

The calving season, which spans from January to March, is crucial for the reproduction and sustainability of herds. Supervised or assisted birthing and colostrum feeding are both essential. Unfortunately, assistance during birth is rare. This can lead to fatal complications. Faced with the tough choice between seeking costly professional help and risking economic loss from untreated livestock, most farmers opt for the latter.

Once a calf is born, colostrum feeding is critical. This first milk provides essential nutrients and immunity to the newborn calves. However, due to its high market value, it is often sold as a premium product, thus depriving the calves. This lack of timely feeding contributes to high calf mortality rates.

Relying on crop residues like wheat chaff and rice husk for feed results in low milk yields and poor animal health. Seasonal fodder shortages compound these challenges. This reliance on traditional feed hinders the herd’s productivity and potential. Newborn calves are often not provided with the required and recommended calf starter feed. Growth and progress records are rarely maintained. Experts recommend a starter feed of maize, soybean, canola, molasses and vital minerals and vitamins. This is not available to the home-born and bred calves for the most part. Lack of recordkeeping, scientific health monitoring and calf growth statistics hinders sound planning and policy making.

The infrastructure gaps in health and upkeep of herds are significant. Uneducated farmers and sparse vet access make cattle rearing a challenge. 

Calf health management is another area where improvement is needed. Vaccination and de-worming schedules are rarely followed. This makes herds vulnerable to foot and mouth disease (FMD) and ailments of the digestive system. Poor housing conditions, overcrowded and poorly ventilated sheds and lack of fumigation make calves more susceptible to disease.

Maintaining strict hygiene during calving can reduce stress and disease risks. Proper water management and ensuring clean drinking water have been shown to boost livestock health and milk production.

Another crucial aspect of livestock rearing is the genetic management and expansion of herds through artificial insemination (AI). The globally prevalent technique can enhance genetic traits, leading to higher milk yields and healthier calves.

AI is safer for the animals as well as cost effective as it reduces the transmission of diseases. Still underutilised, AI is gradually being adopted by progressive farming communities in Pakistan.

Modernising the infrastructure and access to informed vets is a challenge in Pakistan’s rural ecosystem. Some progressive organisations have deployed their agronomists across the chosen sectors where informed experts are reaching out to farmers with valuable advice on updated techniques.

Sizable investment in the sector may help Pakistan develop the full potential of the dairy industry. One of the biggest success stories is that of the Netherlands. The Dutch dairy industry is a global benchmark for efficiency, innovation and sustainability. A major factor in its success is a strong cooperative model, which ensures resilient infrastructure and strong measures for animal health.

Coupled with strong government and research support, it helps bring innovation in dairy genetics, nutrition and sustainability. The Netherlands’ world-class logistics infrastructure facilitates seamless global exports, making it the second-largest dairy exporter. Quality and safety regulations enhance consumer trust and competitiveness.

Pakistan is challenged for sustainability on many fronts including the dairy industry. The industry, despite its size and potential, is afflicted with low productivity, inadequate quality control and obsolete farming methods.

Disrupted supply chains and scant warehousing facilities result in waste and compromised quality. This loss is estimated to be around 15 percent of the yield. Despite being the 5th largest producer of milk, Pakistan imports cheese, powdered milk and other dairy products worth $80 million annually. The sector needs to invest in technology, infrastructure and cold chains, enforce better regulations and develop the required skills to unlock its full potential.

Farmers with small landholdings can benefit from expert advice and access to better veterinary services. Investment in cold storage, logistics and quality control can enhance exports. Sustainable practices like better feed management and waste recycling can ensure long-term growth.

The writer is a development communications expert with a keen interest in economic, social and current affairs. He is available on nahyan_mirza@yahoo.com.