The resource environment and livestock productivity

Today we face immense pressure in the global environment resulting from industrial/transport emissions of greenhouse gases, the continual growth of the world population, domestic and industrial effluents and the depletion of natural resources. Probable variations in rainfall, mean temperatures, crop yields, etc. and the displacement of populations due to natural disasters like floods, drought, desertification, and changed economic circumstances are the cause of significant concern. The recognition of the necessity for action and the intention and the will are vital evolutionary steps towards sustainability, but they would mean nothing if they could not be translated in practical measures and in appropriate governmental policies. Business-as-usual policy and conventional approaches to major regional and global problems are making the world unsustainable. We still have the means and economic possibilities for sound management of natural resources including development of technologies in renewable energy and the conservation of natural resources such as land, water, fuel, minerals, crops and livestock productivity. They will not only open huge opportunities of economical and social relevance, but will make the world more sustainable and will secure "food for all" in dignity and respect for humanity and with nature. As we know that livestock is an important sector of Pakistan economy and its contribution to GDP is equal to that of agriculture sector. It has great potential for growth and thus enhanced contribution to economy, reduction of poverty and rural development. As such the livestock sector is undergoing a complex set of technical changes, which must be compatible to the prevailing farming systems and the local situation and to meet challenges in view of export oriented standards set by world trade organization through value addition. This is also more so necessary in the wake of increasing trend towards intensification and industrialization of livestock production systems.