Balkh dairy farms produce 1,050MT of milk annually

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): The Balkh Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock says 32 large dairy farms are operating in the northern province, producing 1,050 metric tons of milk annually.

Local officials say there has been a growing interest in establishing dairy farms in Balkh. They also note a consistent increase in the population of dairy cattle.

Ghulam Mohammad Mohammadi, an official at the agriculture department, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “Currently, there are 32 registered farms, both large and small, in the province, housing around 100,000 cattle heads.”

He said, “There are 32 cattle farms registered in Balkh. These farms house 90,000 to 100,000 cattle heads. Every year around 2,000 calves are born. This means the cattle population increases by approximately 2,000 annually.”

Mohammadi also highlighted the government’s focusi on livestock, particularly dairy farming and offering various forms of support, including seminars, to promote the farms.

According to him, hundreds of metric tons of milk is collected annually from the dairy farms in Balkh. To process this milk, three large dairy factories have been set up in Mazar-i-Sharif with support from the private sector.

"From these farms, 1,050 metric tons of milk is collected annually, and for processing, three large dairy factories have been set up in Mazar-i-Sharif.

“The factories are purchasing milk from the farms and local households at reasonable prices to produce dairy products,” Mohammadi added.

Meanwhile, a farm owner in Mazar-i-Sharif, Mohammad Shahid, revealed he had imported animals from European countries, known for lofe longevity and higher milk yields.

He asked humanitarian agencies for additional support and urged investors to focus on milk processing and making dairy products so the country can achieve self-sufficiency in this sector.

“The government has helped us to some extent, but we ask aid groups to arrange for us seminars on cattle breeding and supply us with vaccines, feed and medicines. We also urge investors to invest in milk processing so that dairy products can be produced locally and we can become self-sufficient,” Shahid said.

Another farm owner, Bashir Ahmad, said: "It is the responsibility of the authorities to protect livestock from diseases and provide medical treatment.

“Additionally, some organisations periodically offer financial assistance in specific areas. We encourage fellow citizens to establish more farms in the country, as it benefits everyone.”

The Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock says Balkh residents consume approximately 1,080 metric tons of milk annually.

sa/mud