Lahore: The Punjab Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) has approved funding worth PKR 90.57 million for ostrich farming initiatives in Punjab, according to a news report. This venture aims to improve food security and produce exportable, high-value surplus meat in the country.
The PDWP made this decision in its 17th meeting chaired by Planning and Development Chairman Habibur Rehman Gilani. It approved PKR 90.57 million for the ostrich farming scheme.
The government will provide a subsidy to livestock rearing and farming projects under this scheme, and offer capacity-building programs. The authorities concerned will also establish a model ostrich farm at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Pattoki.
Furthermore, the government will promote experimentation; both at the academic and private levels. This will involve research on ostrich meat and its exportable by-products.
Ostrich farming is lauded as an emerging agricultural business internationally.
According to the official project proposal, ostriches provide meat 10 times faster than poultry and 15 times faster than cattle, making them an economically viable option.
The proposal further highlighted the role of local farmers in the project and stated the government’s intention to train and support them.
