KARACHI, Oct 7: The delay in release of funds for agribusiness development projects in livestock sector in Sindh by Minfal has rendered these projects ineffective due to escalation in cost.

This was revealed at the fourth meeting of the provincial coordination committee on agribusiness development and diversification projects held under the chairmanship of livestock and fisheries secretary Shoaib Siddiqui this week.

The meeting was informed that the project initiated by Minfal is lying idle since its inception in 2007.

Under the project, the Sindh government submitted two PC-1 for agribusiness development projects involving distribution of animals among farmers to increase milk and meat production.

Both the projects were approved by Minfal at an estimated cost of Rs54 million and Rs10 million for a period of three years –2007-2010. However, only Rs13 million and Rs2 million were released by the Minfal, which could not cover the approved cost of the projects.

The project director informed the meeting that under the scheme 800 buffalows, 8,570 calves and 8,000 lambs and goats were to be purchased and distributed among farmers for rearing.

The department has now revised the cost and accordingly reduced the number of animals and other inputs, which will be purchased within the approved cost.

The participants of the meeting, who included progressive farmers, spoke on the project. The farmers suggested that after escalation in the cost of animals since 2007 the price of a buffalo stands at Rs35,000, buffalo heifer Rs25,000, female calf Rs10,000 Thari male calve Rs9,000 and young male calf Rs10,000 and lambs and goats Rs7,500 and Rs3,000 each respectively.

The meeting decided that the project would be started immediately and Minfal would be requested to release funds.

Progressive framers will be on the committee set up for selection of farmers, animal procurement and distribution.