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Pakistani Peasants to Raise Income from Milking Cows

by Javed Malik
Thousands of poor Pakistani* are hoping to improve their lives by relying on milking cows — literally.
Poor peasants in Punjab, the moat populous province of Pakistan, are trying to raise their incomes through increased milk production under a new project assisted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Expected to cost a total of US8226 million by IU completion seven years from now, the project intends to introduce peasants who are small dairy producers, to technologies which will raise the yield of their milking cows.
The project's main beneficiaries are landless peasants and small landholder* in 120 villages in the Gujranwala Division. They are among the 30 per cent of Pakistan's population who live below the poverty line and who own one or two buffaloes or cow*. But thousands of other poor people are also expected to benefit Indirectly from the milk production project.
The project primarily alms to increase milk production. Cows raised for dairy give a very low yield. Previous efforts to Import and Introduce high yielding cows have not been very successful.
The new programme will use modern scientific techniques for increasing milk production rather than raising the number of milking cows.
"Promoting productivity per animal rather than increasing numbers, encouraging livestock holders to adopt Improved methods of animal husbandry. increasing the quantity and nutritional quality of animal feeds, modernising marketing channels for livestock and animal products, and cUm-fnating government Interference in the market are the immediate goals, says Teuvo VA Sllrtola. who Is in charge of the project.
Participating peasants will be taught techniques for higher fodder production, improved nutrition, disease control and reduction of calving interval. Technicians will bring to villages, the technologies required. Mass media campaigns in some areas will complement tht extension work-At the same time, the government will Improve inputs and
services needed to modernise milk production.
The Pakistan Dairy Association will provide farmers a ready market for milk.
Villagers will be organised for systematic milk collection. Assistance will be given for the training of villagers and for the acquisition of the needed transportation and equipment.
Farmers will deliver the milk to village collecting cen tres. Payment will be made on the basis of quantity. At present. payment Is based mainly on quantity leading dairy producers to adulterate their milk so a* to earn more.
Milk chilling centres will be set up while a systam for the
bulk delivery of milk from these centres to the plants is being developed.
Farmers groups and village livestock associations will be encouraged to get involved in the marketing process as well.
Pakistan's federal government is putting up US84.8 million out of the total project cost of US$22.6 million as Its share. IFAD is providing USS16.2 million and UNDP US$1.6 million. Some 54 per cent of the fund will be used to improve facilities for the provision of inputs, and services while the rest will be loaned out to participants.
The Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan will provide loans to villagers for setting up milk collection, the construction of chilling centres, and the purchase of bulk milk tanker*. Loans will also be made for fodder production input*, better tillage equipment and tubewefi*.
Rate* of interest and other conditions which apply to regular agricultural loans will also cover these disbursements.
Under the project, funds will be provided as grants for the construction and improvement of about 80 kilometre* of road* to provide all-weather acce*s to more remote villages.
Throughout Its duration, the project will also serve as research programme which hope* to provide the govern ment with answer* on how to increase the quality and quan tity of milk production in other part* of Pakistan
The prajeet, after its completion, will provide a base for the government to launch similar projects In other part* of the country," a government offictal said — Depthnew* Attos