PRIME Minister Imran Khan on Friday launched the ‘Ehsaas Aamdan’ programme by distributing assets such as agricultural equipment, retail shop inputs and livestock such as buffaloes, cows and goats amongst the weakest segments of the society. Reportedly, two hundred thousand families of twenty three poor districts would benefit from this programme. We have no doubt in saying that this program of providing milking animals to the rural women will go a long way in realizing the dream of driving the people out of poverty. This novel initiative of PM Imran Khan needs to be appreciated. A milch buffalo or cow is generally looked upon as prestigious possession of a family in our rural areas as through the sale of their milk, they can earn a handsome daily or monthly income, out of which they can meet, their other expenses. Thus this should be seen as a step towards enabling the people stand on their own feet and earn a respectable livelihood. Pakistan is ranked amongst the top ranking milk producing countries. Milk production has shown an increasing trend over last several years, but this increase in milk production is due to increase in total number of milk producing animals and is not due to increase in per animal production. Thus there is need to also impart proper training to the rural population through television and radio programs as to how they can get maximum milk from their cattle. In fact if given proper attention, the livestock can greatly contribute to the overall economic growth of the country. By bringing in value addition, we can significantly enhance our dairy sector exports. We will also suggest the government to provide interestfree loans to these poor families so that they could purchase more milking animals for a sustainable livelihood. Given the poverty ratio in our country, the scope of Ehsaas Aamdan’ programme also needs to be further expanded.
