Plan to Improve Milk, Meat Production
PAKISTAN - The Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department has drawn a plan to assist livestock farmers of Cholistan to improve milk and meat production.The proposed project has been named ‘Cholistan Livestock Development Project,’ and would be spread over a period of five years costing Rs800 million. The project is likely to start by the end of this year and will conclude in 2011-12.
The project is part of the Punjab government’s Vision 2020 for promoting increase in livestock production. Under this project, farmers rearing herds of Cholistani cows, a breed of Sahiwal cow which produces above normal quantities of milk and meat, will be provided facilities like better pedigree improvement, balanced feed and disease protection through a comprehensive vaccination and veterinary plan. Cholistani cow is famous for resisting harsh climatic conditions of Cholistan. Sources disclosed to ‘The News’ that the Cholistani cow can even bear drought and fodder shortages.
They added that each Cholistani cow on an average is capable of producing 1,000 litres of milk per annum and if the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department’s plans are implemented, this average can be enhanced up to 1,700-1,800 litres per annum.
Similarly, 50 per cent of beef produced in Punjab is from Cholistan and this project will tremendously boost beef and milk production further, they added. Talking about the 2020 project, sources said water storage tanks and mini-feed mills will also be set up in these areas besides provision for artificial insemination centers and mobile health services.
Source: The News - International