Pakistan’s livestock sector has once again proven to be the backbone of the country’s agricultural economy, accounting for the majority of agriculture’s growth during FY2025-26. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26, livestock remained the largest contributor to agricultural value addition, highlighting its growing importance in supporting economic activity and rural livelihoods.

The survey revealed that the livestock sector contributed 62.4 percent of agriculture’s total value addition and represented 14.6 percent of Pakistan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the fiscal year. These figures underline the sector’s critical role in sustaining economic growth and ensuring income generation across rural communities.

While Pakistan’s overall agriculture sector recorded growth of 2.89 percent in FY2026, livestock outperformed other segments by expanding 3.75 percent. In comparison, the crop sector posted a modest growth rate of 1.44 percent, making livestock the primary force behind agricultural expansion during the year.

The strong performance demonstrates the increasing significance of animal farming in Pakistan’s agricultural landscape. Experts believe the sector’s resilience has helped offset challenges faced by traditional crop production, including climate-related pressures, water shortages, and fluctuating input costs.

Livestock continues to serve as a major source of income for rural households across the country. The Economic Survey estimates that more than 8 million rural families are directly linked to livestock-related activities. For many households, the sector contributes between 35 and 40 percent of total income, making it one of the most reliable economic resources in rural Pakistan.

The financial contribution of livestock also witnessed steady growth during the fiscal year. Gross value addition from the sector increased from Rs. 6,004 billion in FY2025 to Rs. 6,229 billion in FY2026. This growth reflects the sector’s ability to maintain momentum despite facing obstacles such as animal disease outbreaks, rising feed costs, and supply chain constraints.

Pakistan’s livestock population expanded across all major categories during the year, further strengthening the sector’s position. The cattle population increased from 59.7 million to 61.96 million, while buffalo numbers rose to 49.1 million.

Goats remained the largest livestock category in the country, with their population reaching 91.8 million in FY2026. Sheep numbers also recorded growth, climbing to 33.5 million during the same period.

Industry observers believe continued investment in animal health services, modern breeding techniques, feed management, and dairy development will be essential for sustaining future growth. Strengthening livestock infrastructure could also improve productivity and boost export opportunities for Pakistan’s agricultural sector.

With livestock contributing the largest share to agricultural value addition and supporting millions of rural families, the sector has cemented its status as the driving force behind Pakistan’s agricultural growth in FY2026.

Topics #agriculture #Agriculture Growth #Buffalo #Cattle #city magazine #Economic Survey 2025-26 #GDP #Goats #Livestock #News #Pakistan #Pakistan Economy #Rural Development #Trending Pakistan