Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has completed eight of 14 planned poultry farms in its merged districts as authorities seek to reduce the region's heavy dependence on broiler meat supplies from other parts of Pakistan and strengthen rural livelihoods through livestock development.

The initiative comes as nearly 95 percent of white meat demand in the merged districts is currently met through imports from outside the region, highlighting a significant gap in local poultry production. According to Dr Kamran, Senior Veterinary Officer of the Livestock and Dairy Development Department, the farms have been established under the Integrated Livestock Development Project (AIP), titled 'Introduction of Semi-Environmentally Controlled Poultry Housing System and Revitalization of Existing Farms in Merged Areas.'

Speaking to APP, he said the broader programme is designed to improve economic opportunities in rural communities by promoting poultry farming, strengthening animal health services and enhancing silage production as part of efforts aimed at poverty reduction.

The project focuses on expanding commercial poultry infrastructure in the merged districts, where livestock development is being viewed as a tool for generating income and improving food availability. Under the scheme, poultry farms are being established in Khyber, Bajaur, Mohmand and North Waziristan districts through a cost-sharing arrangement between landowners and the government.

Investment levels vary according to farm size and location. Landowners are contributing between Rs10 million and Rs15 million, while the Livestock Department is investing between Rs18 million and Rs24 million in each project.

Officials believe the expansion of poultry production capacity will help address the persistent shortfall in broiler meat availability across the merged districts while creating new economic opportunities for local communities. The initiative also forms part of a wider strategy to modernise livestock production systems through semi-environmentally controlled poultry housing, which is intended to improve efficiency and productivity.

Beyond increasing meat production, the programme seeks to support sustainable rural development by integrating livestock farming with improved veterinary services and better feed management practices. With eight farms already completed and six more under development, the project represents a significant effort to build local production capacity in an area that remains heavily reliant on external supplies for its poultry needs.

Authorities expect the initiative to contribute to stronger rural incomes, expanded livestock-related employment and greater self-sufficiency in white meat production across the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.