Pakistan plans to accelerate livestock exports by establishing dedicated meat processing export zones and disease-free compartments for major animal diseases, as part of broader efforts to modernise one of the country’s fastest-growing economic sectors.
Plans are also underway to establish modern slaughterhouses aligned with international standards and introduce time-limited financial support schemes to attract investment and encourage value-added livestock exports, according to the Year Book 2024-25 released by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and available with Wealth Pakistan, said a press release. Breed improvement has emerged as another major focus area, with plans to establish nucleus herds, import high-yield dairy, beef and mutton breeds, and introduce advanced genetic materials including sexed semen, embryos and ova. The report noted that these initiatives are expected to improve productivity, generate employment opportunities and strengthen national food security.
Animal husbandry continues to play a vital role in Pakistan’s rural economy, involving more than eight million rural families in livestock production and contributing approximately 35% to 40% of household income in farming communities. The livestock sector has also consolidated its position as a major contributor to Pakistan’s agricultural economy, accounting for 61.2% of agriculture’s value addition and contributing 14.7% to the country’s GDP during FY2024-25.
According to the report, the sector maintained steady growth, with gross value addition increasing from Rs5,587 billion in 2022-23 to Rs5,837 billion in 2023-24, reflecting a growth rate of 4.4%. The sector also contributes to foreign exchange earnings, accounting for approximately 2.9% of Pakistan’s total exports during FY2024-25, highlighting its growing importance in the national economy.
To further strengthen the sector, the government is pursuing a private sector-led development strategy supported by public-sector policy interventions. The strategy focuses on improving veterinary healthcare services, modernising breeding and animal husbandry practices, expanding artificial insemination services, promoting balanced livestock nutrition and advancing reproductive technologies such as Embryo Transfer Technique (ETT) and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
The strategy also includes efforts to control economically significant diseases, including Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Avian Influenza, which affect productivity, trade and the broader livestock economy.
The report noted that the government aims to harness the livestock sector’s potential to support economic growth, strengthen food security and improve rural livelihoods through diversification and modernisation of livestock businesses.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s poultry industry maintained strong momentum, generating employment for more than 1.5 million people nationwide and contributing gross value addition of Rs853 billion to the economy.
Over the past decade, the poultry sector has recorded an average annual growth rate of 8.1%, helping position Pakistan as the world’s 11th-largest poultry producer. The poultry industry currently contributes approximately 43.3% to Pakistan’s total meat production, making it an important component of the country’s food supply chain and nutritional requirements.
The development strategy for poultry focuses on disease prevention, modernisation of production systems, value-added processing, improved husbandry practices and product diversification. To support the industry, the government has introduced farmer-friendly policies aimed at strengthening both commercial and rural poultry farming.