- Lack of research, storage, and cooling facilities causes massive milk yield and wastage losses
No doubt, milk is the major and the single largest precious product of the sector in Pakistan. Milk production is predominantly led through the dairy animal population rather than milk yield. Small dairy farmers, milkmen, processing companies, and consumers constitute the dairy sector in the country. It faces numerous challenges; economically impacting all the stakeholders. However, the real challenge is unsustainable productivity, which must be addressed through appropriate policies and incentives to revitalise the dairy sector in Pakistan.
Statistics showed that the global dairy milk production is forecast to reach approximately 992.7 million tons in 2025, showing a 1.0 percent rise from the previous year. This growth is expected to be driven mainly by increases in Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, which are anticipated to greater than offset a decline in China.
Traditional producers like the European Union are seeing stable or slight falls, while the Americas are projected to experience a rebound, as per the reports from FAO and OECD. Presently out country has a place in the list of world’s top five milk-producing countries. Livestock is one of the funnelling sub-sectors of agriculture, involving greater than 30 to 35 million people earning more than 40 percent of their income. Statistics also showed that by 2032, global milk production is expected to be 1,039mt. India, the USA and Pakistan would contribute 250mt, 115mt and 86mt of milk, respectively. The global per capita consumption of processed and fresh dairy products will be 16kg and is expected to be the highest at 50kg per person in Pakistan.
Approximately 30 percent and 7 percent of the worldwide milk production will be processed and traded, respectively. The EU, New Zealand, and the USA will endure the quintessential exporters of processed dairy products jointly accounting for 65 percent of cheese, 70 percent of WMP, 70 percent of butter, and 80 percent of SMP by 2032.
Almost 80 percent of milk in our country, is produced on small-scale farms in rural regions, while 20 percent in peri-urban and urban areas. Almost, 95 percent of milk is consumed raw, while 5 percent undergoes processing. Yearly, 15-20 percent of total milk production amounting to over Rs.1000bn is wasted because of a lack of storage, transportation, and proper cooling facilities while milk wastage in India and Turkiye stands at 3 percent and 1 percent, respectively.
Each household spends 28 percent of its income on milk consumption in our country. The milkman purchases milk from small dairy farmers at an average price of Rs.120-150/kg and sells it to consumers at an average price of Rs.160-220/kg depending on its quality (adulteration). Statistics also showed that after imposition of 18 percent GST on packaged milk, its consumer price varies between Rs.360 and Rs.370 per litre in Pakistan, compared to Rs.342 in France, Rs.358 in the Netherlands, and Rs. 300 in Australia.
Furthermore in Pakistan, milk production has mushroomed primarily because of growth in the dairy animal population rather than a rise in milk yield over the previous 6 decade. Despite having 3 to 300 times more dairy animals, milk yield is 7 to 9 times lower than that of developed countries. The primary reason for low milk yield is the lack of research and development (R&D). It has been neglected since Independence, which unremittingly deterred milk yield. Developed nations spend almost 4 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on Research & Development, whereas India spends 0.62 to 0.86 percent of GDP.
It is important to mention here there is a dire need is required for robust coordination among universities, research organisations, processing companies, small dairy farmers, and livestock departments. Electronic, print and social media could accelerate awareness regarding modern dairy techniques among small dairy farmers. The private sector, chiefly progressive dairy farmers, should actively participate through importing high-yield cows, super bulls, and semen dozes from the USA, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Australia.
Artificial insemination and cross-breeding with high-yielding breeds can significantly elevate milk yields. Incentives should be provided to small dairy farmers to shift from buffaloes to cows, supported by interest-free loans to acquire high-yield breeds. Small dairy farmers should also focus more on organic cows’ value-added dairy products like desi ghee, yoghurt, and butter.
No doubt, pure milk is a nutrient-dense beverage that supports overall health by providing essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein. It is beneficial for strong bones and teeth, muscle growth, and weight management. Additionally, it can help support heart health, immune function, and hydration.
On the other hand tetra Pak milk is a healthy choice because it is safe, nutritious, and preservative-free, thanks to ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing which kills harmful bacteria, and aseptic packaging which seals out light and air. It retains essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins, and its long shelf life is due to the packaging, not preservatives.