LAHORE, Aug 25: The federal government will soon enact a law to improve marketing system of livestock sector.

This was stated by Minister of State for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Sikandar Hayat Bosan claimed on Monday.

He was talking to newsmen after the inaugural ceremony of the 27th session of Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and Pacific.

The old system to fix the price of animal on the basis of its appearance will be replaced with weight-based system. New machines would be installed at animal markets for the purpose.

“The step would help end exploitation of farmers at the hand of middleman. Though the role of middleman would not be entirely abolished, steps will be taken to reduce it and control margin of profit.

“The district governments will also be asked to give cash prizes to the owners of the best cattle offered for sale. Meat from Pakistan is considered the best in world market and fetches almost double the price than other countries. This advantage must be used for the maximum advantage for the country. The government is determined to do so,” the minister said.

Earlier, speaking at the conference the minister said that the government wanted to use livestock development programme as a tool for poverty alleviation in the country and fulfil the needs of ever-increasing urban population.