The dairy sector in merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is undergoing a significant transformation from traditional subsistence-based livestock rearing to modern commercial dairy farming, offering renewed hope for economic growth and poverty alleviation in the region.
The transition aims to increase milk production, improve quality of dairy products and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for thousands of rural families dependent on livestock for their survival.
“The initiative has been launched by the Livestock and Dairy Development Department under the scheme ‘Integrated Livestock Development in Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’,” said Dr Kamran, Senior Veterinary Officer.
He said the Livestock Department is focusing on enhancing the production capacity of livestock and ensuring a steady supply of essential food items, particularly meat and milk, at affordable prices in the merged districts.
In this regard, the department is gradually transforming traditional livestock rearing practices into modern commercial dairy farming by introducing improved breeds, better animal healthcare and scientific farming techniques.
The department is also emphasizing modernization of livestock farming, strengthening veterinary services and supporting local farmers to improve food security and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities in the region.
To achieve these objectives, the ‘Integrated Livestock Development’ scheme was introduced in the merged districts with the aim of establishing 300 small-scale and 20 medium-scale livestock and dairy farms.
Under the project, the government is providing five high-quality imported Australian Friesian cows to small farms and 20 cows to medium-scale farms on a public-private partnership basis. Farmers are required to deposit five percent of the total cost of the cattle in a bank and construct proper sheds to ensure suitable housing and care for the animals. So far, around 200 farmers across the merged districts have availed themselves of the facility and established dairy farms, while another 100 farmers are expected to benefit after release of additional funds to the department. Kamran said per capita milk availability in the merged areas had historically remained below the national average, resulting in a shortage that these development projects seek to overcome. He said more than 60 percent of households in the merged districts keep livestock for domestic use, adding that shifting traditional livestock keepers towards commercial and high-yield dairy farming is a key objective of the project to promote economic growth and employment opportunities for local communities.
Farmers are also being trained in modern dairy management practices, including milk preservation, cooling and value addition techniques to reduce spoilage and increase profits, particularly in remote areas. The establishment of dairy farms in the merged districts has also created opportunities for allied businesses, including milk marketing, animal feed supply and silage production. The Livestock Department has additionally initiated the provision of chillers and solar plants to milk sellers, increasing their storage capacity from 100 kilograms to 300 kilograms.
The department is also providing sexed semen to dairy farm owners, helping increase the cattle population and improve milk production over time.
Attaur Rehman, owner of a small dairy farm in Khar area of District Bajaur, said the number of animals at his farm had increased from five to eight cows along with three calves.
“At present, four cows are producing milk and the daily yield ranges between 124 and 130 kilograms, which I sell in the local market,” he said. He added that the department officials regularly visit his farm to monitor animal health and vaccinate livestock against diseases, including Foot-and-Mouth Disease and others. He thanked the Livestock Department for launching the initiative, saying it had not only created livelihood opportunities for people in the merged districts but also ensured the availability of milk in local markets at affordable prices. Besides milk production, animal dung is also being used as organic fertilizer, fuel and a source of additional income through sales in the open market, he added.