- Quetta milk price reform empowers farmers and stabilises Pakistan’s dairy market sustainably
While talking to PAKISTAN & GULF ECONOMIST, Mr. Shakir Umar Gujjar, Central President DCFA Pakistan gave a brief about the current state of affairs. The excerpts are as follows:
The Dairy & Cattle Farmers Association (DCFA) Pakistan wholeheartedly welcomes the notification regarding milk prices issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Quetta on February 16, 2026.
This decision represents a perfect balance between the economic survival of dairy farmers and the provision of affordable milk to consumers.
Key Highlights and Economic Realities
Continuation of the Karachi Model: It is pertinent to mention that previously, the Commissioner of Karachi abolished the mandatory 6% fat restriction, liberating farmers from the exploitation of middlemen. Following the success of the Karachi model which gave a new lease of life to dairy farmers, the Quetta administration has followed suit by issuing a realistic notification based on 4.25% fat (a 50% Cow and 50% Buffalo blend).
Elimination of Middlemen Blackmailing: Wholesalers and middlemen previously blackmailed farmers by demanding 6% to 7% fat content. With the determination of 4.25% fat and an Ex-Farm Gate price of PKR 185, farmers are now free from the clutches of middlemen and can manage their businesses independently
Boosting Production Capacity: Currently, 80% of buffaloes in Pakistan yield an average of only 6 liters daily, while cows average 14 liters daily. This notification encourages farmers to rear high-yielding cows, which will increase total milk production in the market and stabilize prices.
Preventing Livestock Depletion: Due to low prices and stringent fat conditions, farmers were forced to slaughter their valuable livestock and day-old calves. Quetta’s decision will halt this depletion of animals and help overcome the shortage of milk and meat in the country. Following the Commissioner of Karachi, this decision by the Deputy Commissioner of Quetta proves that the obsession with 6% fat was a primary cause of the dairy sector’s decline.
A ‘White Revolution’ in the country is only possible by promoting cow farming and liberating the farmer from the middleman. We demand that this model be immediately implemented in Punjab and other cities of Sindh as well.