The food plays an integral part in human health. Its provides protein, fats, vitamins and minerals to the human body. These elements are essential for human body. At national and international forum several NGOs, committees and organization meet yearly to improve the food quality and eradicate hunger and food shortage in the world. World food day is observes at national and international level and Milk is considered as a complete meal or diet all over the world. According to Bloomberg article in doller terms a liter of packaged milk costs $1.33 compared with $1.29 in Amsterdam, $1.23 in Paris, and $1.08 in Melbourne. In contrast loose and packed milk is more expensive in Pakistan.
The milk industry in Pakistan generated $6.04 billion in revenue in 2024, and the milk market in Pakistan is expected to reach 7.46 billion kilograms by 2028. Pakistan annually produces 70 billion liters of milk; of this, 40 billion liters are consumed in making sweets, and the remaining is used for general consumption. The milk market in Pakistan is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.36% from 2024 to 2028.
Pakistan’s dairy sector consists of private sector dairy farming practiced in rural and peri-urban areas. The major milk-producing provinces in Pakistan are Punjab and Sindh. The average milk yield of a cow is 14 liters per day, while the average milk yield of a buffalo is 10 liters per day.
Our country heavily relies on loose milk. Nowadays, loose milk is being manufactured using various kinds of chemicals, and other tetra packs are also found and labeled as tea whitener. The quality of loose milk isn’t appropriate, and often, milk is harvested under unsanitary conditions. After harvesting, milk transportation is another big challenge for milkmen, who are unable to provide safety measures. Temperature management, which maintains the life of milk, is often not provided as it should be. The lack of care in temperature management for preservation leads to issues; after milk is sourced from dairy shops, half of the milk experiences bacterial growth. This issue is alarming, and the state needs to focus on it because, according to UNICEF, a yearly 3% loss occurs in GDP due to malnutrition.
To encounter these challenges and fulfill SDG requirements, the federal government unveiled the “Five Es.” The National Economic Transformation Plan, also called the Five Es (2024-29), includes Export, E-Pakistan, Equity and Empowerment, Environment, Food and Water Security, and Energy and Infrastructure, which could hopefully resolve all future challenges.
Apart from this, one of the misconceptions is that people prefer loose milk compared to Tetra Pak milk. The myth or perception behind this is that companies use preservatives for milk preservation, extending its shelf life until it is opened. Preservatives also contribute to the growth of bacteria. After opening the Tetra Pak, the shelf life of the milk reduces.
In Pakistan, an awareness campaign should start about the benefits of milk and begin shifting the trend from loose milk to packaged and Tetra Pak milk. Last year, World Milk Day was observed on June 1 and involved 100 countries, from Australia to Zimbabwe. A Guinness World Record event was held in Armenia with 7,469 people drinking milk simultaneously. Such activities boost intellectual knowledge among citizens. We need to make extra efforts to take care of our bones and muscles. This helps reduce osteoporosis and arthritis while enhancing physical fitness in our country. India is the largest producer of milk, and Pakistan needs to establish new dairy companies authorized by the government that formulates a milk collection system involving all stakeholders, imposing safety regulations, training consumers, and raising awareness about milk quality by involving dairy cooperatives, creating evaluation systems, and ensuring pasteurization laws.
Finally, let’s learn from our neighbor, the largest democracy, India, or “AMUL INDIA,” which is famous for its dairy industry. Without any initiative, change cannot occur. Export opportunities, strategic policies, partnerships, and a strong transport system can further enhance Pakistan’s position in the global dairy market.
Author scholar and analyst in the field of Scientific, Economic, social and political domain. Having an extensive well developed experience in regard to economic policy, Economic development and public private markets, and corporation. Faizasaleem724@gmail.com