GB Faces livestock Production Gaps, Imports Worth Rs40 Billion Annually

Gilgit: Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) faces substantial shortfalls in the local production of milk, meat, poultry and eggs, leaving the mountainous region heavily dependent on supplies from other parts of the country.

According to official figures available, annual milk demand in the region stands at 346,500 metric tonnes against local production of 235,487 metric tonnes, leaving a shortfall of 111,013 metric tonnes, or approximately 32 per cent.

“This is something we need to think about and overcome,” Secretary Food and Livestock Usman Ahmed said on Saturday, a day after the Gilgit-Baltistan Harvest Expo 2026, held in Gilgit, highlighted the issue.

The expo featured 109 stalls showcasing agricultural and livestock products, reflecting the potential to develop a stronger commercial farming sector in the region.

Chief Minister Amjad Hussain described the Harvest Expo as an opportunity to promote local producers, encourage investment and connect farmers with modern markets.

He called for modernising agriculture, livestock and fisheries to unlock the region’s economic potential and reduce dependence on imported food products.

According to the statistics, the situation is particularly critical in poultry meat, where annual demand is estimated at 9,630 metric tonnes against local production of just 308 metric tonnes. This leaves a deficit of 9,322 metric tonnes, equivalent to a 97 per cent supply gap.

The region faces a beef deficit of 6,135 metric tonnes, representing a 36 per cent gap, while mutton production falls short of demand by 2,181 metric tonnes, or 32 per cent.

Egg production also remains insufficient. Against annual demand of 12.125 million dozen, local production stands at 4.623 million dozen, leaving a shortfall of 7.502 million dozen, or approximately 62 per cent.

The region’s dependence on supplies from outside GB means that it imports milk, eggs, meat and related products worth approximately Rs40 billion annually, the secretary added.

Experts believe that bridging these production gaps will require coordinated government support, private-sector investment, improved access to quality animal feed and veterinary services, better breeding practices and the development of suitable infrastructure.