LAHORE – The US-Pakistan Partnership for Agricultural Market Development (AMD) announced the launch of a new software package to expand Pakistani meat exporters’ access to global markets.
The state-of-the-art software would track animals’ origins and where meat was processed to help prevent the spread of animal diseases and enhance biosecurity, a statement said on Thursday.
The new software package would also help farmers formulate economical feed rations with an optimal mix of nutrients, which would lower production costs.
“This software will give Pakistani meat exporters a huge advantage in accessing new global markets,” said Director of USAID Pakistan’s Office of Acquisition and Assistance Leslie-Ann Nwokora.
“Buyers will be able to trace the origin, processing, and distribution of meat, while feed formulation and ration balancing software will help farmers reduce costs and provide animals with a balanced diet to ensure they remain healthy”, Nwokora added.
This is the first time such a software package will be used in Pakistan. The USAID-funded AMD project provides integrated support to the livestock sector through grants, training, and technical assistance to upgrade equipment, introduce innovative meat cuts and packing technology, and support Pakistani producers and exporters in meeting international food standards.
“Through projects like AMD, USAID is supporting equipment upgrades and other initiatives to improve product quality, boost exports, streamline supply chains, and bolster Pakistani exporters’ competitiveness and profitability,” said USAID Provincial Director for Punjab Kevin Sharp.
USAID launched the AMD project in 2015 to improve the ability of Pakistan’s commercial agriculture and livestock sectors to compete in international and national markets for meat, high-value and off-season vegetables, mangoes, and citrus.
