Army, G-B govt launch project to boost milk, meat production

GILGIT: The Pakistan army, in partnership with the Gilgit-Baltistan Livestock and Dairy Development Department, inaugurated the Grass-Root Incentivised Dairy Development (GRIDD) project on Tuesday.

The initiative aims to provide comprehensive strategies to enhance milk and meat production, improve livestock care, and expand the dairy industry.

The GRIDD initiative was officially launched by Colonel Abdul Rahman Qureshi, who emphasized the project’s commitment to increasing milk production and improving livestock management practices.

At the launch, several livestock farmers registered on-site to benefit from the project, and further registrations are encouraged at district offices. The initiative promises easier market access for small dairy farmers and a boost in milk production.

The event also marked the opening of the Livestock Facilitation Centre by Colonel Qureshi, designed to offer farmers a range of services under one roof, including advice on livestock management and access to easy loans facilitated by partnering banks.

The centre will be operated in collaboration with the Pakistan army Remount Veterinary & Farm Corps (RVFC).

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During the event, Major Adeel, representing the FCNA (Frontier Corps Northern Areas), discussed the progress of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and assured a continued support in resolving issues faced by the livestock department.

He pledged to expedite the implementation of projects that would benefit dairy farmers and enhance the dairy value chain.

Private dairy farmers represented by Nadeem Ahmed and retired Captain Shaffi Khan raised concerns about the availability of affordable, quality feed and livestock. They stressed the importance of government support to increase milk production significantly.

Jan Baz, a local bank manager, briefed the public on accessible loan schemes designed to support dairy and poultry farming, promising quick financial assistance within a week of application submission.

The event also featured tours of veterinary laboratories and training centers in Gilgit-Baltistan, offering insights into the available facilities and services aimed at boosting local agricultural outputs.

Livestock, Dairy Development, and Poultry Production Director Syed Ishtiaq Hussain extended special thanks to all participants and reiterated the department’s commitment to ensuring the success of the project, marking a significant step forward in empowering local farmers and enriching the agricultural landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan.