Quetta – Balochistan's livestock sector is an important component of the province's economy. Poultry, dairy, camels, sheep, goats and their by-products contribute around 50 per cent of the total provincial agricultural output.
To promote livestock in Balochistan, a three-day Balochistan Livestock Expo was organized by the Livestock and Dairy Development Department (GoB) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the University of Balochistan (UoB) and Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade. The first ever Livestock Policy and Strategy was also launched which provides the roadmap to stimulate rapid growth in the livestock sector and deliver prosperity and wellbeing to the families and businesses involved in its targeted livestock value chains. The expo will continue until 20 November 2019.
The purpose of the Expo is to open new prospects for livestock entrepreneurs, investors, traders, processors, male and female livestock farmers and other value chain actors from across Balochistan as well as other provinces and various international investors to invest in the livestock sector in Balochistan and to contribute to economic growth of the province – along the framework of the livestock policy and strategy.
The event was inaugurated by the honourable Chief Guest, President of Pakistan, Mr. Arif Alvi, while senior government officials and key stakeholders including; Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mr. Mitta Khan Kakar, Advisor to the CM on Livestock, Mr. Fazeel Asghar, Chief Secretary Balochistan, Mr. justice (Retd) Amanullah Khan Yaseenzai, Governor Balochistan, Ms. Minà Dowlatchahi, FAO Representative in Pakistan and Mr. Brek Batley, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan were also present.
Mr. Arif Alvi, President of Pakistan appreciated the efforts which brought together national and international stakeholders for the first ever expo in Balochistan. Expressing concern over malnutrition and stunting, the President of Pakistan highlighted the importance of livestock for milk and meat production. He further emphasized on the important role of organic and sustainable meat production towards generating profits and improving livelihoods for local communities.
While launching the Livestock policy and strategy, the President of Pakistan stressed on the need to set a time frame, estimating costs and bringing knowledge and expertise together to support implementation of the policy.
In his remarks while opening the event, the Balochistan Chief Minister Mr. Jam Kamal Khan said that livestock is one of the major pillars of the economy of Balochistan and contributes more than 50 per cent of Balochistan’s Agriculture Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Further, he stated: “Balochistan Livestock expo will play an important role in the lives of communities in Balochistan. Facts and figures mentioned show that we need to understand the role of livestock towards economic development. Balochistan has various sectors to invest in but we are starting with livestock which is deeply associated with everyone in Balochistan.” The Chief Minister of Balochistan encouraged investors, traders, business communities and various stakeholders to come together to scale up the livestock sector.
Chief Secretary Balochistan Mr. Fazeel Asghar underscored the historic importance and role of the livestock sector in Balochistan. “Balochistan Livestock Expo is a very important initiative to advance the livestock sector of Balochistan and value addition in this sector will positively impact our society and contribute to poverty alleviation, employment generation and empowerment of marginal sections of the society, especially women,” stated Mr. Fazeel Asghar, Chief Secretary Balochistan.
“The livestock sector is not only a mainstay of our economy but is also a way of life for many of our people and is an essential part of our culture and tradition. If we use our land, water, climate and livestock resources well, we can create a prosperous livestock sector that can provide employment and good income for many of our people. I believe that this is possible and the Government of Balochistan is obliged to make this happen by allocating sufficient public development resources for livestock development,” asserted Advisor to CM on Livestock, Mr. Mitta Khan Kakar.  
The FAO Representative Ms. Mina Dowlatchahi said: “The livestock policy and strategy is a milestone in the development of the livestock sector that can lead to 50 per cent increase of livestock household’s income in the next 10 years which would generate over 100 billion PKR to benefit men and women in Balochistan. The government has shown great commitment and FAO looks forward to continue its support to helping achieve the policy outcomes.”
Farmers from all over the province, experts, students, investors, traders and civil society, also attended the event. As many as 60 companies/organizations showcased their products and services during the exhibition.  


***