Karachi, (Special Correspondent) __ Central President of the Dairy and Cattle Farmers Association Pakistan, Shakir Umar Gujjar, has said that the livestock sector is completely different from other businesses, as it allows no room for holidays, breaks, or delays. Animal care is a continuous and sacred responsibility that must be carried out uninterruptedly, 365 days a year.

He said that in most businesses and jobs around the world, work can be postponed or delegated to others, but in livestock farming, even a moment of negligence in feeding, watering, milking, and maintaining hygiene can result in irreversible losses.

According to Shakir Umar Gujjar, animals’ hunger and thirst are not bound by calendars or festivals. Whether it is extreme heat, rain, or cold weather, the daily provision of balanced feed and clean water is essential. Any negligence in feeding not only weakens the animal but also reduces milk production, directly impacting the farmer’s economic stability.

He explained that failure to milk cows or buffaloes at the prescribed time causes physical discomfort to the animal and increases the risk of udder diseases. Similarly, negligence in maintaining cleanliness of cattle sheds and daily monitoring can lead to the spread of infectious diseases.

The Central President stated that during the global coronavirus pandemic, when industrial activities were suspended worldwide, the livestock sector continued to play a vital role in meeting food requirements. He emphasized that farmers are, in fact, the real guarantors of Pakistan’s food security.

He urged the government and relevant institutions to ensure the economic survival of farmers and provide compensation in line with production costs so that they can remain connected to this sector. Shakir Umar Gujjar warned that if farmers are forced to abandon dairy farming due to financial pressure, the supply of milk, meat, and other essential food items could be severely affected.

He concluded by saying that serving animals is a source of worship and blessing, and valuing farmers is, in reality, a guarantee of national survival and progress.