Balochistan covers approximately 44 percent of Pakistan’s total area, with 95 percent of the land consisting of rangelands and only 5 percent suitable for cultivation. This makes livestock raising a centuries-old occupation for the locals in Balochistan. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, 70 percent of Balochistan’s population is directly or indirectly involved in livestock-related activities. This makes the province an ideal site for the livestock sector, offering diverse opportunities for local and international companies to invest in this burgeoning industry. Such investments and innovations could create jobs, open new markets, and alleviate food insecurity and poverty.
While livestock is one of Balochistan’s most flourishing sectors, with 95 percent of the province’s land suitable for grazing, it is important to note that only 28 percent of these rangelands are considered suitable for livestock production. The northeastern part of Balochistan boasts the best rangelands, supporting 76 percent of the province’s livestock, whereas the southern plains have the poorest quality, supporting only 24 percent of the livestock population. Consequently, farmers from central Balochistan migrate with their herds to lower lands in Sibi and Kachi plains for grazing during winters.
The livestock sector is a crucial component of Balochistan’s economy. Experts regard it as pivotal in the rural economy, contributing 53 percent to agriculture, nearly 40 percent to the provincial GDP, and 11.4 percent to the national GDP. According to the Livestock Department, Balochistan maintains approximately 2.25 million cattle, 12.8 million sheep, 11.7 million goats, 0.31 million buffaloes, 0.37 million camels, 0.05 million horses, 0.47 million donkeys, and 5.91 million poultry. Livestock contributes approximately 20 billion, with meat accounting for 40 percent, milk 35 percent, eggs 13 percent, and skin, hides, and wool 10 percent.
Moreover, meat is a major product of local livestock breeds and has the potential to become a leading business in the livestock industry, especially in halal food, due to increasing demand in Muslim countries. This offers the province promising prospects for entering the international trade market. According to the Director General of Animal Health and Production Extension, the province annually produces 28,000 tons of beef and 204,000 tons of mutton. Additionally, Balochistan’s annual milk production is 4 million tons, exceeding its annual demand of 2.3 million tons. However, inefficiencies in the supply chain force the province to spend millions on milk and milk product imports.
In October 2019, the government of Balochistan launched its first-ever Livestock Policy and Strategy (2020-2030). Similarly, the provincial government organized the three-day Balochistan Livestock Expo in November 2019 to explore new opportunities for livestock entrepreneurs, investors, traders, processors, male and female farmers, and other stakeholders from Balochistan, other provinces, and international markets.
Another important business associated with livestock is processing and tanning animal skins to make leather and leather goods. However, Balochistan currently lacks tanneries, forcing all hides and skins, including those from Afghanistan and Iran, to be transported to Sindh and Punjab for processing. Modern tanneries could efficiently operate in Balochistan, particularly in canal-irrigated areas like Naseerabad and Jafferabad, creating jobs and livelihoods for local communities. Similarly, commercial poultry farming with advanced controlled sheds could also provide economic opportunities to the locals. Therefore, the provincial government should invite local and foreign investors to capitalize on this sector for large-scale poultry meat production for export.
Balochistan hosts approximately 41 percent of Pakistan’s camel population. Ongoing schemes for camel milk processing units in Musakhail and Washuk, each costing Rs. 50 million under the current PSDP program, highlight the potential for camel products. Camel milk can be processed using ultra-high temperature processing (UHT) or pasteurization, while camel meat holds significant export potential to Gulf countries, even in tetra packs.
Additionally, dairy cattle are found in abundance in areas like Quetta, Pishin, Jafferabad, and Naseerabad. Establishing dairy farms around urban areas could boost milk production and supply fresh milk and its byproducts on a large scale to local markets and even export them to other provinces.
Lastly, it is important that the authorities prioritize addressing the issues of livestock farmers, such as vaccination delays, marketing and value addition of their products, financing, insurance, and introducing new breeds. Only with continual focus can one forecast exponential and sustainable growth in this industry.
Article written by Naeem Barech, an independent researcher.
