|
Gulf states lift ban on
Pakistani livestock import
ISLAMABAD-The export of Livestock products managed to retain
its growth with relaxation of restrictions imposed by the Gulf
states last year due to growing fear of sparking animal
disease called Rinderpest.
According to official sources a delegation of Saudi Arabia has
recently visited Pakistan and after verifying the Quarantine
conditions expressed satisfaction over the improved situation.
It also pledged to lift restrictions during next month i.e.
March 2002. The governments of Oman, Kuwait and Qatar have
already withdrawn its decision with regard to banning of meat
import from Pakistan.
The export of local meat and its products has gone up to the
tune of Rs. 46082.5 million during the year 200-01 showing 15
% increase as compared to Rs. 39451.10 billion export of
1999-00.
The export of livestock sector was affected due to growing
fear of sparking animal disease called Rinderpest disease in
Pakistan. The disease was reported for the first time from
Europe and it inflicted heavy losses on Livestock industry in
the European countries.
The government alerted the Quarantine department which is
responsible to regulate the import and export of animals and
animal products to prevent the introduction or spread of
disease.
The department provides central certification service to the
importers and exporters of animals and animal products of
uniform standard through examination and tests to meet the
international trade requirements.
The department is also responsible to prevent the unauthorized
import and exportm of animals and animals products. The
arrangements pertaining to animal slaughtering, transportation
have been improved. Every entry and exit points of the animals
is being
monotored to prevent the introduction or spread of disease.
Pakistan needs to increase its milk and meat production at the
rate of 5 to 7 % annually to keep up with the increased demand
due to population growth, urbanization and increase in income.
However, apart from other factors, diseases like rinderpest,
Foot & mouth, hemorrhagic septicaemia and other limit the
rapid growth of livestock sector in the country.
Livestock plays a vital role in strengthening of economy as it
earns Rs. 35 million foreign exchange which constitutes 10 of
the over-all export earnings of the country. Its role may be
realized from the facts that 30 to 35 million rural population
is engaged in livestock raising.
Foreign exchange earnings of livestock sector exceeds 35
billion rupees annually as livestock population consisted of
22 million cattle, 22.7 million buffaloes, 24.1 million sheep,
47.4 million goats and 385 million poultry, he added.
March 01, 2002
|
Pakissan.com;
|
