Pakistan’s livestock sector stands at a decisive moment. Climate change—manifested through heatwaves, prolonged droughts, shrinking rangelands, and rapid urbanization—is reshaping the very landscapes that nurture our native livestock biodiversity. Yet amid these challenges lies a powerful opportunity: to build a food-secure, climate-resilient future anchored in Pakistan’s indigenous breeds and supported by ethical modernization.
The Strength of Native Livestock Systems
During my talk at the Livestock Genetics & Genomics Conference, I highlighted the exceptional resilience of Pakistan’s camel breeds, especially the six documented Balochistan breeds—Kohi, Raidi, Lassi, Raigi, Brahvi, and Kharani. These animals thrive in high heat, water scarcity, rugged terrain, and feed limitations, making them unmatched assets for arid and semi-arid regions.
Native livestock systems are low-input and high-impact. They depend on natural grazing, require minimal water, resist diseases, and provide milk, meat, fiber, mobility, and cultural value. Despite limited policy recognition, pastoral and smallholder herders supply 80% of the nation’s livestock-derived foods. Protecting their systems means protecting national food security.
Camel: A Climate-Smart Dairy and Meat Future
Camels offer tremendous promise for Pakistan’s climate-smart livestock strategy:
- Daily milk yields of 8–18 kg with long lactation periods
- Exceptional water-use efficiency
- Nutrient-rich milk with immunological and therapeutic properties
- Lean, healthy meat with high dressing percentages
Around the world, camels are increasingly recognized as the livestock species of the future, especially for regions facing water scarcity and extreme temperatures.
A Dual Approach to Policy Reform
Pakistan needs a balanced livestock strategy founded on two pillars:
1. Protection and Promotion of Indigenous Systems
- Establish national conservation zones for native breeds
- Document and support breed societies and recording systems
- Promote premium labels like A2 milk, organic meat, and pastoral products
- Develop cooperatives, value chains, mobile veterinary services, and market access
- Empower pastoralists as key partners and knowledge holders
2. A Regulated, Ethical High-Input Dairy Sector
Industrial dairy farming can supplement food demand, but must be strictly regulated, with:
- Clear identification of exotic breeds as A1, high-input, factory-farmed systems
- Strong animal welfare guidelines
- Disease-free import protocols
- Consumer transparency for A1 vs. A2 vs. camel milk
Conclusion: A Future Built on Resilience and Heritage
Pakistan can transform livestock from a climate vulnerability into a climate advantage. By prioritizing indigenous breeds, supporting pastoral communities, regulating high-input dairy, and promoting transparent, value-added markets, the country can build a food system that is climate-smart, ethical, and economically inclusive.
The journey of the camel—and of all our native livestock—continues to carry hope for a resilient future.