FrieslandCampina Dairy Development Programme in Pakistan

In 2017 the so-called Big Push project was started by Engro Foods and the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF).
“The Big Push” is based on a concept of infusion of diverse skills in a concentrated area to jump start employment and market opportunity. Based on this concept the project partners designed a program aiming to create an ecosystem where farmers are trained in modern animal husbandry practices which would impart skills in the dairy sector with a focus on improving farmer’s practices, increasing milk production and promoting rural entrepreneurship in 17 villages in Southern Punjab, Pakistan.
The programme is executed by Engro Foods in the villages identified as the poorest ones of the southern Punjab located in Bahawal Nager, Bahawalpur and Muzafer garh districts. A team of more than 40 dairy experts are training illiterate farmers in a practical way by using a.o. audio visuals and by organising study tours.
The project has trained 11300 dairy small holders including 4500 women to enhance dairy farming skills. The interventions has improved milk yield, quality and benefits the farmers to improve their livelihood.
To improve the complementary services such as health and nutrition the programme has also trained 700 micro entrepreneurs in livestock extension skills, village milk collection skills, artificial insemination skills and farm supervisor’s management skills to enhance the potential of these dairy pockets and creating self-employment opportunities