Shahbaz Mushtaq

Production and Marketing of Small Ruminants in Balochistan, Pakistan: Case Study of Kovak and Asghara Valleys in Balochistan, Pakistan Shahbaz Mushtaq

This book presents the production and marketing systems of small ruminants in Kovak and Asghara valleys of Balochistan, Pakistan. Livestock sector is one of the major pillars of the agrarian economy. More than 17 million households are directly or indirectly getting income from with livestock sector, which contributes over 8 per cent of the national GDP. The book collected primary data from 61 farmers raising small ruminants Kovak and Asghara valleys, which represent typical of production system in Balochistan. In detail, the book describes the socio-economic profile of sample respondents, their farming system along with flock types, sheep/goats flocks. A section is devoted on the production practices of small ruminants, and their costs structure and gross revenues. Marketing strategies of small ruminants and their by-products provides detailed insights marketing system and possible opportunities. Finally, the book identifies possible production and marketing strategies to encourage small ruminant farmers to convert from rural farming to commercial farming.