Starting goat farming in Pakistan can be a lucrative and profitable venture. With no special skills required, anyone interested can take advantage of this livestock business to earn a good amount.
Goats, often referred to as the “poor man’s cow,” are small to medium size animals and can produce both meat and milk, providing extra income. In rural areas of Pakistan, men, women, and even children often raise goats.
The demand for goat meat is very high in Pakistan and some people have even taken it a step further and started large-scale, commercial stall-fed goat farming. The products from these farms are in high demand, even in international markets.
Before beginning your own goat farming business in Pakistan, it is important to be aware of goat management and the necessary preparations that need to be taken. With the right knowledge and resources, goat farming in Pakistan can be a profitable and rewarding venture.
Goat farming in Pakistan is a long-term project, so it is essential to understand that one should not expect immediate profits. To start a successful goat farming business, it is essential to have an initial investment for fixed and variable assets and prepare a business plan.
After about two to three years of setting up the farm, one can expect to start seeing returns. It is important to hire the right employees/labor to manage the goats effectively, as well as dedication and hard work to ensure that the goat farming venture is profitable.
Goat farming in Pakistan is now playing an essential role in the nation’s economy, producing 3 lakh tons of mutton, 30 million skins, 25 thousand tons of hair, and 900 thousand tons of milk each year. To begin with, it is possible to turn a low investment into a commercial business model slowly.
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Economic Importance Of Goat Farming In Pakistan
Income generation
In 2021-22, livestock was estimated to contribute 61.9% to the agricultural value added and 14.0% to the national GDP of Pakistan. Animal husbandry is a significant economic activity for rural dwellers, with approximately 8 million families being involved and deriving up to 40% of their income from this sector. From 2020-21 to 2021-22, the gross value addition of livestock has increased by 3.26%, rising from Rs 5,269 billion to Rs 5,441 billion (2015-16 as the base year).
Employment opportunities
Goat farming provides employment opportunities for many people in rural areas. The livestock sector in Pakistan employs around 8.5 million people (including goat farming), according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2021-22.
Export potential
Pakistan is a major exporter of goat meat, and the demand for Pakistani goat meat is increasing in international markets. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Pakistan exported goat meat worth around USD 285 million in 2021-22.
Diversification of income sources
Goat farming provides an opportunity for farmers to diversify their income sources and reduce their dependence on crop production. This can help reduce the risk of crop failure due to climate change and other factors.
Food security
Goat farming can contribute to food security by providing a source of protein-rich meat and milk to people in rural areas. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2021-22, the production of milk and meat from goats has increased by 5.5% and 4.4%, respectively, in the last year.
Sustainable agriculture
Goat farming is a sustainable form of agriculture as goats can thrive in marginal lands and require less water and resources than other livestock such as cattle. This can help reduce the environmental impact of livestock production.
Fertilizer production
Goat manure can be used as a fertilizer, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Cultural and religious importance
Goats are an important part of many cultural and religious traditions in Pakistan, such as Eid-ul-Adha. This can provide a source of social and cultural cohesion in rural communities.
Poverty reduction
Goat farming can help reduce poverty in rural areas by providing a source of income for small-scale farmers and landless laborers. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2021-22, around 67% of livestock in Pakistan is owned by small-scale farmers.
Climate change adaptation
Goat farming can help farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as drought and water scarcity, by providing an alternative source of income and reducing the risk of crop failure.
How to Start Goat Farming In Pakistan
Starting a goat farming business in Pakistan is a relatively straightforward process, and even a beginner can get started. We have outlined the necessary steps to take to successfully launch a goat farming business in Pakistan. Follow this guide and you’re sure to have success!
Selecting Farm Location
When selecting a location for your goat farming business, it is essential to consider all the necessary amenities that will help ensure its success. Fresh, clean water supply, a suitable grazing area, a nearby market for purchasing requirements, easy access to complementary food sources, a market for selling your products, and reliable veterinary services are all essential components for a successful goat farming business. Before deciding on a specific piece of land, make sure the area has all these resources available.
Determine the Products You Are Going To Produce
To ensure success in goat farming in Pakistan, it is essential to determine the desired products being produced. There are a variety of options to choose from, including meat, milk, skin, and fiber.
Due to the climate in Pakistan, raising meat and milk goats is particularly suitable and can be quite profitable. Therefore, careful consideration should be taken when deciding which products to produce from the farm.
Selecting Breeds
Goats of high quality and health play an important role in their overall production. For the climate of Pakistan, Beetal, Barpari, Pak Angora, Dera Din Panah, Chapper, Bilkaneri, Kamori, Ieddy, Kaghani, Nachi, Khurasani, Tappray, Pateri, Kapla Gulabi, and other Pakistani breeds are suitable for farming.
Among these, Beetal, Dera Din Panah, Kamori, and Khurasani are ideal for commercial milk production, while Barbara, Chapper, Teddy, and some other breeds are best for meat production. Pak Angora, Bilkaneri, Kaghani, and other breeds are suitable for fiber production. All goats produce skin, but Beetal, Dera Din Panah, and Nachi produce high-quality skin.
Housing
When it comes to commercial goat farming, having a suitable house or shelter is essential. A concrete structure with an asbestos roof is ideal, and the house should have a good drainage system and cleaning facilities.
Additionally, it is important to make sure that there is plenty of light and fresh air coming into the house, and it is best to have a south-facing house.
Feeding
Goats are remarkable animals that can consume and digest a wide variety of edible items. To ensure optimal health and production, however, it is best to feed them a combination of homemade complementary foods and fresh greens.
Common goat foods include tree leaves, non-legume plants, legumes, flowers, grains, grasses, roots, silage, hay, dried leaves, fruits, legume seeds, and many types of corn. To enhance the nutritional value of their diet, you can also incorporate minerals and other essential nutrients into their complementary foods.
Breeding
To ensure successful breeding in a goat farming business, farmers should select healthy, disease-free goats and provide them with proper care and management. Goats are known as seasonal breeders, with the usual breeding season taking place between August and March.
Additionally, extra care should be taken with the buck chosen for breeding purposes. Furthermore, it is important to gather sufficient information and study goat reproduction in-depth.
Grazing Place
Creating a designated grazing area can help to lower feed costs while keeping your goats healthy. Construct a fence around the perimeter of your farm to keep your goats safe from other animals and to prevent them from escaping.
Care & Management
If you are looking to get into goat farming, it is important to understand that aside from providing housing and food, goats require special care and management. This requires experience and knowledge, which can only be gained with time. Therefore, it is best to start out with a few goats and build your knowledge of the industry as you go.
Veterinary Facilities
Having access to proper veterinary services is a must for livestock farming, especially since goats are less prone to disease. Nevertheless, you should always make sure you have access to a veterinarian just in case something goes wrong.
Marketing Products
Marketing goats and their products is quite simple since there is a great demand for them in both local and global markets. In Pakistan, most big cities have proper facilities to get the best prices for your products.
Goats’ milk and meat are especially popular amongst the locals. To make sure you get the best prices for your products, always sell them in markets that offer the highest price. However, try not to transport your goats too far as it could reduce the price.
Selling your goats during religious festivals such as Eid is a great way to ensure maximum profit. You can also use your own unique marketing techniques to get the best prices.
You now have a good understanding of how to market your goat products in Pakistan. If there is something I have missed out on in this guide, please let me know. For experienced producers, please share your experience and advice in order to help others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you looking for information about goat farming in Pakistan? Here, we’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions about goat farming in Pakistan, along with their answers. We hope you find what you’re looking for! If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Is goat farming profitable in Pakistan?
Goat farming is an incredibly lucrative venture in Pakistan, with a large market for goat-related products and highly profitable production. Yes, commercial goat farming is a very profitable business in Pakistan.
How many goats can you raise in 1 acre?
You can keep up to 8-10 goats in an acre of land if you provide them with only pasture.
Is goat farming difficult in Pakistan?
Yes, goat farming is very easy and profitable in Pakistan.
Which is more profitable goat or sheep in Pakistan?
Goat farming is both profitable and popular in Pakistan, making it an especially profitable venture.
Which goat breed is most profitable in Pakistan?
The Beetal goat is a breed originating in Punjab but also raised in Pakistan. These goats are small in size, but an adult male can weigh up to 45 to 65 kg, while an adult female can weigh up to 35 to 45 kg. Due to their size, they are ideal for both meat and milk production.
Which goat is best for milk and meat in Pakistan?
Kamori, Beetal, and Pateri are the most well-known dairy goat breeds in Pakistan. Kamori is especially esteemed due to its high milk production, earning it the title of the “cow of the poor farmer.”
Read: Best Goat Breeds in Pakistan
