Unlocking Pakistan dairy export potential with Italy’s technology

Islamabad: Pakistan has a rich agricultural heritage, and among its most prized assets is the indigenous Nili-Ravi water buffalo. Renowned for its high-fat content milk, this breed holds immense potential in the global dairy market, particularly in the production of premium dairy products such as buffalo mozzarella, butter, and yogurt.

However, despite this competitive edge, Pakistan’s dairy industry remains underutilised in the international market due to reliance on traditional processing methods, low mechanisation, and a lack of value addition. By integrating advanced Italian dairy technology, Pakistan can significantly enhance its dairy exports, boost agricultural GDP, and contribute to employment generation.

Pakistan’s dairy sector took a major step towards modernisation with a recent meeting between an Italian delegation, led by the Italian Ambassador Marilina Armelin, and key Pakistani officials, including Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Agriculture & Dairy Minister Syed Ashiq Kirmani, and the Secretary Livestock Punjab. The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation, introducing advanced Italian dairy technology, and enhancing Pakistan’s dairy exports. The Italian delegation expressed keen interest in technology transfer, infrastructure investment, and farmer training programs to boost dairy productivity and value-added processing.

Italy has perfected the art of dairy processing, particularly in buffalo milk-based products like mozzarella cheese, which fetches premium prices in international markets. These visits provided me with an in-depth understanding of how Italy has successfully positioned its dairy industry as a global leader through innovative processing techniques, efficient supply chain management, and strict quality controls.

The key lies in adopting Italian technology to enhance milk productivity, improve product quality, and create high-value dairy exports that cater to global demand.

While cow milk dominates the global dairy market in terms of quantity, it falls short in quality when compared to buffalo milk. Pakistan is home to over 46.3 million buffaloes.

The indigenous Nili-Ravi buffalo, particularly found in the Punjab region, produces milk that is superior in terms of fat content, protein levels, and overall nutritional value. This makes it ideal for producing high-quality dairy products such as mozzarella cheese, which commands higher prices in European and Middle Eastern markets.

By leveraging Italian dairy technology, Pakistan can transform its dairy industry into a global powerhouse, generating significant economic benefits, increasing agricultural GDP, creating jobs, and boosting export revenues

Italy’s buffalo mozzarella, famously known as Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, has gained international recognition and is widely exported. Pakistan, with its high-quality Nili-Ravi buffalo milk, has the potential to create a similar brand identity for its dairy products. However, despite its superiority, Pakistani buffalo milk and its by-products are largely overlooked in international trade due to inadequate processing facilities and a lack of branding. The integration of Italian dairy processing technology can address these gaps and help Pakistan emerge as a leading exporter of premium dairy products.

One of the major challenges in Pakistan’s dairy sector is low productivity per animal. While the average milk yield of an Italian buffalo is around 2,500-3,000 liters per lactation, Pakistani buffaloes produce an average of 1,800-2,200 liters. Italian dairy farms have mastered the use of advanced breeding techniques, automated milking systems, and nutritional management to maximise milk yield and maintain superior quality. By incorporating these technologies, Pakistan can enhance buffalo milk production while maintaining its premium quality, making it more competitive in the global market.

Italy’s dairy industry thrives on value-added products, particularly buffalo mozzarella, which is a globally sought-after delicacy. Currently, Pakistani dairy farmers mostly sell raw milk, missing out on the opportunity to earn higher revenues from processed dairy products. By adopting Italian cheese-making technology, Pakistan can establish a niche market for buffalo-based dairy products, fetching premium prices in international markets such as the EU, the Gulf region, and Southeast Asia.

One of the key reasons behind Italy’s dairy success is its well-developed cold chain infrastructure, which ensures milk and dairy products maintain their freshness and quality during transportation. In contrast, Pakistan suffers from inadequate refrigeration and logistics, leading to significant post-production losses, estimated at 15-20% of total milk production. Investments in Italian cold storage and transportation solutions can help minimise these losses and maintain the integrity of dairy exports.

For Pakistan to expand its dairy exports, it must comply with international food safety and hygiene standards. Italy’s dairy industry follows stringent regulations that ensure product safety, traceability, and consistency. By implementing similar standards and certifications, Pakistan can build trust among global consumers and secure a strong foothold in premium dairy markets.

The dairy sector contributes significantly to Pakistan’s agricultural GDP, accounting for around 14% of the total GDP and providing livelihood to millions of rural families. With proper investment in Italian dairy technology, this contribution can be greatly enhanced. By increasing productivity, reducing waste, and adding value to milk products, Pakistan can elevate its dairy industry from a low-margin sector to a high-revenue contributor to the national economy.

The modernisation of the dairy industry will create a ripple effect on employment. From farmers to dairy technicians, food scientists, logistics providers, and export managers, the industry can generate thousands of jobs across the value chain. Additionally, smallholder farmers can benefit from technology transfer and training, improving their livelihoods and contributing to rural development.

Currently, Pakistan’s dairy exports are minimal compared to their potential, amounting to a minimum of total global dairy exports. By focusing on premium buffalo milk products, Pakistan can tap into high-value international markets, particularly in regions with strong demand for buffalo mozzarella and other specialty dairy items. This will not only bring in foreign exchange but also position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global dairy trade.

An increase in dairy exports will have a positive multiplier effect on Pakistan’s economy. Higher exports mean increased investment in dairy farms, processing units, and infrastructure, ultimately leading to stronger economic growth. Additionally, reducing dependence on cow milk and focusing on high-quality buffalo dairy products can help Pakistan build a unique identity in the international dairy market.

The successful integration of Italian dairy technology in Pakistan requires a collaborative effort between the government, private sector, and farmers. Key steps to move forward include investment in modern dairy farms, training programs with Italian dairy experts, infrastructure development, regulatory reforms to meet international standards, and branding strategies to promote Pakistani buffalo dairy products as premium offerings.

Pakistan’s Nili-Ravi buffalo is an untapped goldmine with immense export potential. By leveraging Italian dairy technology, Pakistan can transform its dairy industry into a global powerhouse, generating significant economic benefits, increasing agricultural GDP, creating jobs, and boosting export revenues. The recent commitment from the Italian delegation further reinforces the need for collaboration, paving the way for a prosperous and competitive dairy sector in Pakistan.