STAR SECTOR 6: LIVESTOCK
Livestock sector is considered as a key determinant and driver of socioeconomic development in FATA. Throughout the region, the people of FATA draw a major portion of their employment and income from livestock related products and services. This makes the sector amongst the top development priorities. Is it yours too?
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Livestock sector is a significant contributor of the agricultural economy in FATA, which produces direct food for many. For small farmers in FATA, livestock is the major ready source of cash to buy inputs for crop production, such as, seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. Livestock income also goes towards buying services that farmers cannot do for themselves, which includes paying for education and healthcare services. I can go on and tell you more, but I would rather let you explore the rest.
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Director of Livestock FATA
Complementing mainstream agricultural activities, livestock rearing is an equally essential contributor for household economy in the tribal areas of Pakistan. Livestock remains the key source of milk and meat. Additionally, it provides inputs which are used as fuel and fertilizer. Poultry farming is an additional supplement to household diets and essential income support. For most households, livestock also provides a kind of food security buffer in time of any unpredictable externalities.
Based on these very important aspects, the Directorate of Livestock FATA is focusing on enabling small farmers and village womenfolk to help them by adopting better farm management techniques. The strategic objective is to drive farmers away from the traditional low-input/lowoutput equation through using modern farming tools and practices.
COMPARISON OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS OF FATA WITH THE NATIONAL PRODUCTION Product
Pakistan
FATA
FATA % vs. National %
Milk (in million metric tons)
29.47
1.12
3.80
Beef (in million metric tons)
1.115
0.066
5.99
Mutton (in million metric tons)
0.74
0.035
4.72
Poultry Meat (in million metric tons)
0.416
0.007
1.682
Eggs (in million metric tons)
8528
400
4.690 Source: Directorate of Livestock FATA
Livestock rearing is one of the indigenous economic opportunities available to the people in tribal areas. The livestock sector holds significant potential to improve the livelihoods of a large number of households within a short time period. Therefore, on the ground, there is a high level of interest in improving livestock production. This demand has served as an incentive to shift from subsistence-level activities towards commercial-level livestock rearing. A lot of scope exists for private sector to invest in veterinary extension, livestock production and strategic marketing.
COMPARISON OF LIVESTOCK POPULATION OF FATA WITH THE NATIONAL LEVELS Specie
Pakistan
FATA
FATA % vs. National %
Cattle (in million number)
29.56
1.990
6.73
Buffalo (in million numbers)
27.33
0.092
0.34
Sheep (in million numbers)
26.49
1.524
5.75
Goat (in million numbers)
53.79
3.184
5.91
Equine (in million numbers)
4.77
0.200
4.19
Poultry (in million numbers)
73.65
6.170
8.37 Source: Directorate of Livestock FATA
These figures clearly indicate that there is still a lot of potential for public sector initiatives and private sector investments to add value to the livestock sector of FATA. Federal Government has approved a mega project (2015-17) amounting to PKR 137.607 million to improve the socioeconomic outlook of farmers associated with livestock in FATA. Under the Sustainable Development Plan (2007-15), the Directorate of Livestock FATA is utilizing a number of implementation strategies to increase production and revenue. Some of the priority interventions are aimed at: Improving access to animal feed to overcome shortages Expanding the coverage of extension services and input supply Building the capacities of farmers to improve livestock and poultry outputs Developing facilities for farmers and entrepreneurs at designated livestock trading areas Carrying out public awareness and outreach campaigns to highlight the potential and importance of the sector Source: FATA Sustainable Development Plan (2007-15)
INVESTMENT POTENTIAL IN FATA LIVESTOCK SECTOR
POULTRY FARMING: Construction of control sheds, setting up hatchery units and marketing of dairy products
ANIMAL HERDING: Networking of veterinary facilities, acquiring land for grazing and improving breed potential