By Muhammad Luqman
LAHORE, March 25 (Wealth Pakistan): The Punjab government has launched an initiative to preserve and promote indigenous livestock breeds, including the Sahiwal cow and the Nili Ravi buffalo.
The initiative forms part of the Rs20 billion Punjab Herd Transformation to Enhance Livestock Productivity programme. Under this programme, the government has earmarked Rs4 billion for the Progeny Testing Programme (PTP) to improve genetic potential and breed quality.
Focus on genetic improvement and breed conservation
Dr Khaliq Shafee, Director of the Punjab Livestock Department, said schemes for producing sex-sorted semen of indigenous breeds are underway. These include Nili Ravi buffalo, Sahiwal, and Cholistani cattle registered under the PTP.
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said unchecked crossbreeding with exotic breeds has weakened indigenous livestock. It has led to unpredictable genetic traits and weaker physical characteristics.
Punjab has around 500,000 Sahiwal cattle and 2 to 2.5 million Cholistani cattle. The Nili Ravi buffalo population ranges between 13 and 15 million.
Institutional support and breeding programmes
The government is implementing the programme with the Sahiwal Cattle Breeders Society and the Buffalo Breeders Association. Key measures include setting up breed conservation units and expanding the PTP.
Authorities are also introducing a Bull Dam (bull mother) scheme. In addition, they are strengthening structured breeding and bull selection based on lactation performance exceeding 3,000 litres.
Several institutions are executing the project. These include the Buffalo Research Institute Pattoki, the Livestock Production Research Institute Bahadurnagar (Okara), and the Research Centre for Conservation of Indigenous Breeds in Jhang.
Industry welcomes initiative
Breeders have welcomed the initiative and called it a positive step for the livestock sector.
Dr Muhammad Imran Basharat, Director Technical at the Sahiwal Cow Breeders Society, said the project comes at a crucial stage. Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said it offers opportunities to harness the strength of indigenous breeds.
He said Pakistan can improve breed quality and productivity with better use of genetic resources. He also highlighted the need to refine breeding systems and improve identification of superior bull dams.
Focus on productivity, markets and exports
Dr Basharat said cooperative livestock and dairy farming models can support sustainable sector growth. He added that recent market fluctuations linked to trade dynamics with Afghanistan show the need for stronger market structures.
He said Pakistan has high-yielding animals, including Nili Ravi buffalo producing around 4,000 litres annually and Sahiwal cows about 3,500 litres. These provide a strong base for future growth.
He stressed the importance of best practices in livestock management. He said better regulatory oversight can protect animal health, fertility and long-term productivity.
He added that indigenous breeds are cost-effective and well-suited to Pakistan’s climate. Their natural resilience supports sustainable dairy production.
He also noted growing international demand for Sahiwal breed semen and embryos in Bangladesh, Kenya and Sri Lanka. He said developing export systems can open new revenue streams for Pakistan’s livestock sector.