Policy for Dairy Self-Sufficiency: A Key Step Toward Strengthening the Livestock Sector

By: Zahed Khalili

Introduction
Afghanistan is an agrarian country. Agriculture and livestock form the backbone of the rural and agricultural economy, engaging millions of people. These sectors are not only vital for rural livelihoods but also play a significant role in the overall development of the national economy. For farmers and herders, these sectors are of critical importance, as they depend on them for their livelihoods and they serve as primary sources of income. Agriculture and livestock have significantly contributed to reducing unemployment and creating job opportunities across the country. Cattle, sheep, goats, and other animals are raised in rural areas, and from them, large quantities of milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products are supplied to the market daily. Given the important role of the livestock sector and dairy products in the country’s economic growth, there was a need to develop a policy that, in addition to strengthening the livestock sector, would also prove effective in reducing unemployment.

The Livestock Situation in Afghanistan

Agriculture and livestock have long been integral parts of life in Afghanistan. For generations, people in rural areas have relied on farming and animal husbandry to sustain their daily lives. Even today, the country's economy is largely dependent on agriculture and livestock. In rural areas, these two sectors go hand in hand—those who farm almost always raise livestock as well.

According to conducted surveys, livestock contributes approximately 15% to Afghanistan’s agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Among livestock owners, some are sedentary rural residents who raise animals without relocating. Others are nomadic pastoralists (Kuchis) who migrate seasonally. Official statistics indicate that Kuchis make up about 5% of Afghanistan’s population, and livestock is their sole source of income, thereby playing a crucial role in the development of the country’s livestock and dairy sectors.

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, there were 5.8 million cattle in Afghanistan in the year 1400  SH. In addition to cattle, roughly 14 million sheep and goats and around 8 million goats were also being raised by livestock owners. A 2021 survey estimated the value of the livestock sector in Afghanistan to be $7 billion.

However, the sector has faced several challenges due to prolonged conflicts during the Russian and American occupations, drought, encroachment on grazing lands, shortage of veterinary facilities, lack of adequate and modern medications, and insufficient public awareness about best livestock practices.

Since the return of the Islamic Emirate, attention has been given to revitalizing various sectors, including livestock and dairy. In a post-occupation Afghanistan, the livestock sector is showing positive signs of recovery. Livestock keeping and dairy production have increased, and more citizens have taken to raising cattle, sheep, and other animals. Many entrepreneurs have established dairy farms to increase milk production and sales. Furthermore, numerous grazing lands that had been previously seized have been reclaimed by the Islamic Emirate.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock is actively working to address challenges in the livestock sector and is holding consultations with investors and entrepreneurs. As a result of efforts by the Islamic Emirate, Afghanistan’s livestock sector is making rapid progress toward self-sufficiency.

 

The Importance of Dairy Products

Dairy products, like other food items and animal-based products, are essential for human health—this is why they have been consumed by humans since ancient times. Due to their high nutritional value, dairy products are widely used. Milk is the primary source of dairy, from which yogurt, cheese, butter, curd, and various other products are made. Dairy products are rich in calcium, protein, vitamins, and other nutrients beneficial to human health.

Beyond their health benefits, dairy products also play a significant role in economic growth and commerce. Countries with large-scale animal farms and high levels of domestic dairy production often export surplus products to international markets. Milk production, processing, and packaging create employment opportunities within the country. Additionally, the livestock industry and dairy production contribute significantly to strengthening rural economies and reducing unemployment.

In recent years, Afghanistan's livestock and dairy sectors have witnessed notable development. Given this progress, there was a pressing need for a comprehensive and inclusive policy to strengthen and regulate these sectors. In response, the Economic Commission approved the Dairy Sector Self-Sufficiency Policy developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, taking into account the recommendations of the Economic Commission.

 

 

Dairy Self-Sufficiency Policy

The Dairy Self-Sufficiency Policy has been developed at the request of the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Office to support the development of the dairy industry. In recent years, a number of entrepreneurs in both rural and some urban areas have established cattle farms specifically for the production and sale of fresh milk. As a result, dairy production has increased across the country, with tens of thousands of liters of milk supplied to the market daily and processed into yogurt, butter, cheese, curd, and other products sold in both rural and urban markets. The expansion of the livestock and dairy sectors created the need for a formal policy, which was fortunately approved by the Economic Commission.

The key objectives of this policy are as follows:

1. To regulate dairy production, processing, and packaging within the country;
2. To support and strengthen fresh milk producers;
3. To ensure public access to safe and high-quality dairy products.

The Dairy Self-Sufficiency Policy is structured around three main components: production, processing, and marketing.

In the production sector, the policy includes the establishment and expansion of standard dairy farms for cattle, effective and appropriate provision of artificial insemination services, supply of proper feed for dairy animals, and delivery of effective and appropriate veterinary services, among other measures.

In the processing sector, the policy outlines the establishment of standard dairy processing facilities and milk collection networks, creation of laboratories to ensure dairy quality control, formation and expansion of producer cooperatives, and prevention of the importation of low-quality powdered milk, along with other key initiatives.

In the marketing sector, the policy calls for the production, processing, and packaging of dairy products according to national standards, organization of spring and autumn exhibitions, development of standard infrastructure for production, processing, and marketing support and encouragement of the private sector, and creation, presentation, and distribution of public awareness media campaigns, among other initiatives.

The policy identifies the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Finance, the National Standards Authority, municipal authorities in both the capital and provinces, the Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock, non-governmental organizations, fresh milk producers, and the National Dairy Association as the primary implementing entities. The roles of each ministry and institution are clearly defined within the policy.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock has been assigned overall responsibility for implementing the policy and coordinating activities among all relevant stakeholders. In addition, the ministry is tasked with monitoring all technical programs outlined in the policy.

Conclusion

A significant portion of Afghanistan’s economy is based on the rural economy. Agriculture and livestock are considered the backbone of the national economy, as the vast majority of citizens are engaged in these sectors. These sectors have contributed to economic growth in the country and have created numerous employment opportunities. In recent years, the livestock industry has seen notable progress, leading to the expansion of the dairy sector.

To further organize and develop livestock and dairy activities in the country, it was essential to formulate and implement a dedicated policy. In response to the request of the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Office, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock developed the Dairy Self-Sufficiency Policy, which will be implemented following its approval.

The implementation of this policy will further strengthen and expand the livestock and dairy industries across Afghanistan.