From Savings to Grazing: Citizens Urged to Invest in Cattle Rearing

APP
Multan: Encouraging a shift “From Savings to Grazing,” the Livestock Department has urged residents in rural areas to consider animal rearing as a lucrative alternative to migrating to cities for livelihood opportunities.
During the “Kissan Livestock Baithak” at village Khakhi in Tehsil Jalalpur Pirwala, Deputy Director of the Livestock Department, Dr Jamshaid Akhtar, emphasized the economic benefits of livestock rearing. He encouraged livestock breeders, highlighting that it not only contributes to individual farmers’ economic well-being but also plays a crucial role in bolstering the country’s overall economy.
With Livestock accounting for a 14 percent share of the GDP, Dr Jamshaid underscored the potential for farmers to increase profits by focusing on high-yielding breeds. Instead of migrating to cities for employment, he urged villagers to consider livestock businesses as a sustainable means of livelihood. Dr Jamshaid emphasized that women, too, can generate income through poultry and sheep rearing, with the Livestock Department offering free technical assistance and vaccination facilities.
Highlighting the significance of the livestock sector in south Punjab, Dr Jamshaid stressed that it serves as a financial lifeline for about 70 percent of the local populace, offering stability during unforeseen emergencies.
Acknowledging Pakistan’s standing as the fifth-largest milk-producing nation globally, he proposed that further improvements could be achieved through investments in animal genetics, particularly emphasizing the role of semen quality in enhancing animal health, leading to increased milk and meat production.
Providing a national perspective, he mentioned that approximately eight million individuals are currently engaged in cattle rearing. Muhammad Iqbal Khakhi, a successful cattle farmer, shared his positive experience, having started cattle farming a few months ago with over 50 cows, attesting to its high profitability. He urged fellow farmers to consider investing in cattle farming for sustainable economic gains.