Sindh Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Muhammad Ali Malkani has said that adoption of modern reproductive technologies and scientific methods is the most important need of the hour for the promotion of Livestock Development. Addressing a function in Karachi, he emphasized that the traditional methods are no longer able to meet the financial needs of cattle rearers and domestic export demands. The provincial government wants dairy and beef farmers to make use of modern veterinary science.
Pakistan has a large number of buffaloes, buffaloes, sheep and goats, but milk and meat production per animal lags behind international standards. Malkani explained that the use of science for profitable business has become indispensable amid rising costs of food and electricity. This sector contributes a lot to the agricultural GDP, so even small-scale improvements can improve the economic status of rural families.
Drawbacks of traditional methods
For decades, farmers in rural areas of Sindh have been using traditional inbreeding methods that reduce animal productivity. Diseases strike quickly and there is a long interval between the births of two children.
- Low yield per milk cycle compared to international dairy breeds
- Long dry periods for animals
- Suffering from seasonal diseases due to weak immunity
- Wastage of fodder on low yielding animals
To deal with these problems, measures like controlled debreeding and artificial insemination can produce animals of the best breed in less time.
Implementation of modern reproductive technology
The Livestock Department is trying to provide artificial insemination and pregnancy testing facilities up to the Union Council level. The veterinary department has been directed to train local technicians and improve the cold chain system in rural centres.
Farmers can improve the quality of their animals within a few generations by using semen from certified bulls. District livestock offices have also been asked to set up mobile veterinary camps so that farmers can get vaccination and reproductive health facilities at their doorsteps.
Tasks to do for farmers
If you run a dairy farm or cattle fattening business in Sindh, don't just wait for government assistance but take practical steps yourself.
- Get artificial insemination facility by contacting your nearest district livestock office.
- Keep a health record for each of your animals, including vaccinations and feedings.
- Focus on balanced feed formulation instead of cheap and poor fodder.
- Educate farm workers on basic hygiene and animal heat symptoms.
What will be the next step?
Keep an eye out for grants earmarked for mobile veterinary clinics and simon distribution in the coming fiscal year. If the Livestock Department expands its field staff as promised, rural farmers will be greatly facilitated, provided the tradition of red tape and the high cost of private tuition do not stand in the way.