ISLAMABAD: The Balochistan government has finalised a plan to establish livestock markets at divisional level across the province to increase the number of animals and meat productivity, Livestock and Dairy Development director general says.

Talking to APP on Tuesday, Dr Ghulam Hussain Jaffar said, “The government has already approved a plan for establishing livestock markets at divisional level to help improve the standard of marketing of the huge livestock sector, which has the potential to change the lives of farmers for the better.”

He said the aim behind establishing the livestock markets was to eliminate the role of brokers and facilitate the livestock keepers directly. Lack of proper marketing of livestock and dairy development was the main issue and for this purpose, the department “has approved a project to establish livestock markets across the province”.
He said the main aim of approving the plan was to increase livestock production in Balochistan and boost the vital sector as per directives of Prime Minster Imran Khan.

Expressing best wishes for the livestock sector, he said, “The province has the potential to export domestic animals to gulf countries to earn precious foreign exchange.”

Replying to a question, he said, “Balochistan is environmentally different from other provinces of the country and businessmen are being encouraged to promote livestock farming in Naseerabad.”

The DG said, “The livestock markets will have the facility of veterinary dispensary, vaccination and will provide proper treatment to ailing animals brought to the markets for sale or purchase.”

He said the animals should be handled with care in an appropriate manner according to their variety and should be fit for sale in the market.

He said, “Vaccination is also being provided to animals through mobile dispensaries on the routes of nomads, who come from Afghanistan to overcome the threats of different viruses.

“The government is formulating long-term policies to increase meat production.”