Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Livestock and Dairy Development Board (LDDB) today to assess the current status of Pakistan’s livestock sector and discuss strategies for its future development. The Minister emphasized that livestock is not merely a component of agriculture—it is the backbone of rural livelihoods and a driver of economic resilience.
Highlighting the sector’s contribution, the Minister noted that livestock remains the most significant sub-sector of agriculture, contributing 14.63% to Pakistan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 60.84% to agriculture value added. It plays a critical role in national exports, with the sector’s net foreign exchange earnings accounting for approximately 1.6% of the country's total exports.
“The livestock sector provides raw material for local industries, generates markets, creates capital, and most importantly, serves as a social security net for rural households,” said Rana Tanveer Hussain. “It ensures income in times of need and offers security against crop failures, particularly in the barani (rainfed) areas.”
The Minister emphasized that over eight million rural families in Pakistan rely on livestock as their primary source of livelihood. This makes the sector an ideal avenue for targeted public and private investment aimed at addressing poverty in the most vulnerable and underserved areas.
He further added that a well-functioning livestock sector not only helps in achieving food security and economic growth but also contributes to employment generation and national development.
“If we are serious about eradicating poverty, especially in rural Pakistan, the livestock sector offers the most direct and inclusive path,” the Minister stressed. “The government is committed to creating an enabling environment for small farmers through better access to veterinary services, feed resources, financial support, and market connectivity.”
