In a significant move for the agriculture sector, Pakistan is poised to lift ban on livestock export, particularly sheep and goats, a restriction that has been in place for over a decade. This decision primarily responds to escalating demands from Gulf nations, showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its agricultural export capabilities.
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) has completed the necessary summary and is now seeking approval from the federal cabinet to reverse the ban imposed back in 2009. This shift comes after thorough consideration by the Executive Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which has agreed to lift the ban on live animal export due to the increasing interest from domestic investors.
Several local investors have already initiated the development of small- to medium-scale feedlot fattening farms, which are expected to generate a surplus of goats and sheep in the near future. The MNFSR has also reached out to various countries to attract investments in feedlot fattening farms for small and large ruminants. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE have expressed serious interest in participating in this initiative.
The SIFC’s consent to lift the ban on livestock export aligns with the heightened demand from Gulf countries. The agriculture sector significantly contributes to Pakistan’s economy, accounting for approximately 24% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Notably, the livestock sector alone contributes 60.84% of agricultural value added, equating to 14.5% of GDP for the fiscal year 2023-24.
Animal husbandry remains a crucial economic activity for rural communities, with over 8 million families engaged in livestock production, generating around 35-40% of their income from this sector. Pakistan’s diverse inventory of food-producing animals reached 224.7 million heads in 2023-24, including 57.5 million cattle, 46.3 million buffaloes, 32.7 million sheep, 87 million goats, and 1.2 million camels.
This livestock inventory produces approximately 70 million tonnes of milk and 3.447 million tonnes of meat, including 2.630 million tonnes of beef and 0.917 million tonnes of mutton, along with 2.363 million tonnes of poultry meat.
Historically, the export of live animals was authorized by the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) in 2009. However, rampant smuggling through porous borders, particularly with Afghanistan, led to local shortages and price instability. In July 2013, the government imposed a ban on the commercial export of live animals to stabilize domestic prices.
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With the implementation of effective anti-smuggling measures and enhanced border security, the supply-demand dynamics have improved, resulting in greater stability in mutton prices. As Pakistan prepares to lift the ban on livestock export, the agricultural sector anticipates a new era of growth and opportunity.
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