By Abdullahi Lukman
Syria has launched a comprehensive Livestock Sector Strategy 2030 aimed at rebuilding animal production, strengthening sustainability, and improving national food security after years of heavy agricultural losses.
The plan, announced by the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture, focuses on reviving livestock, poultry, and fisheries — sectors that underpin rural livelihoods and agri-food supply chains.
Official figures indicate livestock numbers have fallen by about 40 percent in recent years due to damaged infrastructure, weakened veterinary services, climate pressures, and feed shortages.
At the core of the strategy is herd recovery and productivity improvement.
Authorities plan to rebuild cattle and sheep populations, introduce higher-yield breeds through structured import programs targeting small and medium-scale breeders, rehabilitate artificial insemination centers, and enhance genetic stock.
Poultry production will also be expanded to improve overall output efficiency.
Feed security forms another key pillar.
Measures include modernizing feed mills, promoting locally sourced alternative feed materials, expanding climate-resilient fodder cultivation, and strengthening laboratory testing and quality certification in line with international standards.
The strategy also prioritizes freshwater aquaculture. Plans call for expanding fish fingerling production, rehabilitating hatcheries, and promoting cage farming in suitable reservoirs.
The government intends to facilitate private-sector investment through regulatory support and financial incentives, while encouraging household-level fish farming to boost rural incomes.
Veterinary reform is central to the programme. Authorities aim to upgrade diagnostic laboratories, strengthen quarantine systems, expand vaccine production, and align disease surveillance with global health standards.
A national early-warning system for zoonotic diseases will be introduced under a “One Health” framework integrating animal, human, and environmental health monitoring.
In addition, the strategy introduces a nationwide livestock identification and data registration system to enhance traceability, disease control, and sector planning.
Training for veterinary and technical personnel, facility upgrades, and alignment with regional and international quality benchmarks are also planned.
Officials said the 2030 roadmap is designed to restore the livestock sector’s contribution to economic recovery, reinforce rural livelihoods, and secure long-term food resilience.
