LORALAI

District Profile

Turn Potential into Profit Small & Medium Enterprise Development Authority
Government of Pakistan
http://www.smeda.org.pk
HEAD OFFICE 6 Floor, LDA Plaza, Egerton Road, Lahore. Tel: (042) 111-111-456, Fax: (042) , 6304926, 6304927 [email protected]
th

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REGIONAL OFFICE SINDH

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Table of Contents
1.
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5

INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................1
Map: Loralai..............................................................................................................................................1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................2 Population .................................................................................................................................................3 Climate.......................................................................................................................................................3 Education...................................................................................................................................................3

2.
2.1

INFRASTRUCTURE .........................................................................................................................4
Roads.........................................................................................................................................................4 2.1.1 Transportation...................................................................................................................................4 2.2 Communications .......................................................................................................................................5 2.3 Energy .......................................................................................................................................................5 2.4 Financial Institutions.................................................................................................................................5

3.
3.1 3.2

LORALAI IMPORTANT SECTORS ..................................................................................................6

Small and Medium Enterprises .................................................................................................................6 Agriculture / Horticulture...........................................................................................................................6 3.2.1 Land Utilization Statistics ...................................................................................................................6 3.2.2 Production of different Crops..............................................................................................................7 3.2.3 Marketing..........................................................................................................................................8 3.2.4 Extension services.............................................................................................................................8 3.2.5 Problems and Issues for Agriculture/Horticulture Sector......................................................................8 3.3 LIVESTOCK................................................................................................................................................9 3.3.1 Cattle ................................................................................................................................................9 3.3.2 Poultry ..............................................................................................................................................9 3.3.3 Marketing........................................................................................................................................10 3.3.4 Extension services...........................................................................................................................10 3.3.5 Problems and Issues for livestock sector..........................................................................................10 3.4 MINERALS ...............................................................................................................................................10 3.4.1 Coal ................................................................................................................................................10 3.4.2 Marble.............................................................................................................................................11 3.5 INDUSTRIES ............................................................................................................................................12 3.6 HANDICRAFTS ........................................................................................................................................12

3.7

POTENTIAL PROJECTS: ..........................................................................................................12

District Profile - Loralai

1. INT RODUCTION 1.1 Map: Loralai

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District Profile - Loralai

1.2

Introduction

Name of the district is derived from the Loralai stream, a confluent of Anambar and Nari streams. Loralai is situated at 4,700 feet (1,430 meters) above sea level. Loralai, district consists of three tehsils i.e. Loralai, Duki and Mekhtar, Tehsil Loralai is the major city of the district while tehsil Duki and Mekhtar are major towns of the district. It is connected by road with Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Pishin, and Dera Ghazi Khan. The surrounding region consists of a series of long, narrow valleys hemmed in by rugged mountains varying from 3,000 to 10,000 feet (1,000 to 3,000 meters). Loralai District was formerly known as Bori. It is inhabitated by Pashtoon tribes such as Kakar, Nasar and Luni. The district was created in October, 1903. The present boundary of Loralai district comprises of three Tehsils namely Mekhtar, Duki and Bori Tehsils. District Loralai is managed by an elected Municipal District body i.e., Dirstrict Nazim and Tehsil Nazim and the DCO. The population of Loralai district is estimated to be 327,969 in 2005. Loralai has been famous for its agriculture/horticulture and livestock holdings. Almonds and apricots are popular across the country. Communications network of Loralai city is well established with Radio station broadcasting, telephone exchange, and Mobile communication services. Recently three priavte companies have started their services along with V-wireless communication service. Many NGOs are working in Loralai district especially for the Afghan refugees and host communities. Coal mining is being carried in the district for decades and considered as major source of income and employment after agriculture sector. The reactivation of Chamalang coal field will give tremendous boost to the economy and provide employment opportunities to thousands of unemployed people in the area. Due to long drought and scarcity of water resources large number of fruit orchards vanished as a result of which inhibitants of the district shifted to other business. Most promisingly a new line of Marble business has been booming in the district. A lot of marble processing factories have now been established in the district, which provides marble tiles to various parts of Pakistan. Traditionally, overall source of income was agriculture & livestock, whereas Coal and Marble is expected to have a maximum share in the economy of the district in near future.

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District Profile - Loralai

1.2.1 LORALAI'S BASIC FACT (2005-2006) LORALAI'S FACT (2005-2006)BASIC Area Population Official Language Local Languages Major Fruits & Vegetable Major Sectors Major Cities / Town 801,800 hectors 327,969 Urdu Pashto. Almond, Apricot, Apple, Potatoes, onions, Tomatoes, Radish, and Turnip etc. Livestock, Agriculture / Horticulture and Minerals. Loralai city, Duki town and Mekhtar Twon

*Source: P&D Department Balochistan.

1.3

Population

The total population of the district is 327,969 as projected for 2005 by the Population Census Organization, Islamabad. The last census was conducted in 1998 when the population of Loralai was about 297,555. Over 99% of the people of the area are Muslims, with vast majority of Pashtoon tribes.

1.4

Climate

The climate of the area is dry but varies with the elevation. At high altitude it is cold and dry. Whereas in the low altitude, especially in the south and east (Tehsil Duki), temperature is more uniform through the year but hot in summer. The area can be distributed climatically into semi-arid, sub-tropical and continental highlands. The winters are very cold and windy and summers are mild. Loralai district was also affected by drought. However, in recent years the rains have increased. Maximum Rainfall occurs in the month of March and in Monsoon season i.e., July and August. Part of the winter precipitation is in the form of snow. Weather is influenced by the monsoon season along the eastern belt on Suleiman range.

1.5

Education

During the last decade, the numbers of public and private educational institutions have increased, and there are also four colleges for intermediate and bachelors level, one of which is operating in private sector. English language centers and computer training institutes have also started operating in Loralai town. English language and computer training institutes are being run by private sector in Loralai town.

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District Profile - Loralai

Total number of Government and Private Schools by sex in District Loralai, (20042005): District Government Schools Private Schools Male Female Loralai 476 158 16
Source: Directorate of Education, Quetta.

Total number of Intermediate and Degree Colleges at District Loralai, (2004-2005): District Degree colleges Intermediate Colleges Male Female Loralai 1 1 2
Source: Directorate of Education, Quetta.

2.

INFR ASTRU CTURE

Loralai district is linked by road with Punjab Province to the east and with Provincial Capital Quetta to the west. To the north it is linked with Killa Saifullah district and Sibi district in the south. Coaches, buses and wagons are the only source of public transport whereas, trucks and other light transport vehicles are used for freight forwarding.

2.1

Roads

The total length of the blacktopped roads in the district is 626 km including national highway of 230 km and provincial roads of 396 km, whereas Shingle roads have a total length of 603 km. Total Roads in kilometres include National Highways in Loralai 2004-2005. Type of road Black Topped Shingle Total National Highway 230.00 0.000 230.00 Provincial Roads 396.060 602.890 998.950

Source: C&W Department & N.H.A, Quetta.

2.1.1 Transportation
Major mode of transportation are buses and rental vehicles. Freight is handled through trucks. The common practice of transportation and traveling is through road. There is no operational Airport or railway station in the district.

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District Profile - Loralai

Registered number of vehicles category-wise is defined as follows; Number of Motor Vehicles Stood Registered. 2005 Type of vehicle Registered in district Motor cycles Station Wagon Mini Buses Cars, Jeeps, Taxis Pickup Tractors 2005 3,911 182 295 1,264 2,144 1,207

Source: Directorate of Excise & Taxation, Balochistan, Quetta.

2.2

Communications

Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation limited (PTCL) has established a network of telephone connections in the district. There are 9 auto exchanges and 4 digital exchanges in Loralai district. Furthermore, there are 5,044 phone connections in District Loralai. There are a number of Cellular companies operating in the district, however, their coverage is limited only in the Loralai city, these companies include Mobilink, Ufone and Telenor. Pakistan Post office has established their networks in the district. Beside Pakistan Post office numbers of Private courier services are also operating in the district which includes TCS, OCS, SPEEDEX and TNT. Pakistan Postal Services Corporation has established one post office at Loralai town and 3 branch post offices at Loralai Cant, Duki and Mekhtar.

2.3

Energy

Electricity of the district is governed and operated by Quetta Electric Supply Company. (QESCO). Loralai city Grid station is linked with electric transmission from District Sibi and Rakhni, because there is no power generation plant in the district. So far District Loralai is not linked with natural gas Connection. Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has planned to extend this facility in future. Fuel wood, kerosene oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is mainly used for cooking and heating, while diesel engine generators are used to run tube wells in the rural areas.

2.4

Financial Institutions

There are number of Government and private commercial financial institutions providing their financial services across the district. Detail of the financial institutions is as under: National Bank has two branches at Loralai and Duki. The other commercial banks are Habib Bank, the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, Muslim Commercial Bank and United Bank Ltd

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District Profile - Loralai

have their branches at Loralai and Duki. Allied Bank Ltd and Kushali Bank also have branches in Loralai town. Financial institutions and their branches: Financial Institutions Branches National Bank of Pakistan Loralai(1), Duki(1) Zarai Taraqiati Bank of Pakistan Loralai(1), Duki(1) Muslim Commercial Bank of Pakistan Loralai(1), Duki(1) Habib Bank Limited Loralai(1), Duki(1) United Bank Limited Loralai(1), Duki(1) Allied Bank Limited Loralai(1) Khushaali Bank Loralai(1)

3.

LOR AL AI IMPOR T AN T SECTORS

3.1 Small and Medium Enterprises

The small and medium enterprises are comprised of coal & marble mining, marble processing, agriculture, livestock, auto & electric repair, bakeries, merchants, whole sellers, bricks kilns, hotels, shoe and cap makers, tailors and other shops. There is one Technical Training Centre at Loralai, where training in turner, plumber, auto repair, T.V & radio repair, electricity, welding, carpentry, bench fitter and refrigerator repairing is given. Loralai town is the main hub of trading in the district and major market for daily used items whether locally produced or coming from other parts of the country. These items are supplied to the rest of the district from here.

3.2 Agriculture / Horticulture

Most of the districts economy is related to Horticulture sector. The prominent crops are wheat, barley, fodder, maize, chillies, vegetables, onion and potato. Major fruits are apricot, almond, pomegranate, peach, grapes and apples. Most of the cultivated land is individual ownership or tribal ownership.

3.2.1 Land Utilization Statistics

The total geographical area of Loralai district is 801,800 hectors. Out of which the reported area is 318,523 hectors and the total cultivated area is 124,165 hectares. Land utilization statistics Loralai district 2004-05
Land use 2004-05

Total Geographical Area Reported Area Total Cultivated Area Area under forest Cullurable waste Not available for cultivation

Area (Ha.) 801,800 318,523 124,165 60,396 65,889 68,073

Source: Director General Agriculture, Quetta.

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District Profile - Loralai

3.2.2 Production of different Crops

Fruits and vegetables are the major source of income in Agriculture sector of the district Loralai, major fruits include Almond, Apricot, Apple and Pomegranate. Crop and area wise production of fruit and vegetable are given as below; Area and Production of Fruits of Loralai District 2004-05. Fruits Area in Hectares Production in tones Apple 1525 9,461 Apricot 2581 28,358 Grapes 195 960 Peach 170 863 Plum 316 1,457 Almond 4362 12,305 Pomegranate 1196 8,385 Cherry 91 114
Source: Director General Agriculture, Quetta.

The important Vegetables of the district include Carrot, Cauliflower, Potato, Onion and Musk Melon etc Most of the vegetables are exported to the Punjab. Area and Production of Vegetables and melons of Loralai district 2004-2005. Vegetables Area in Hectares Production in Tonnes Carrot 127 2,413 Cauliflower 120 1,741 Tomatoes 275 2,585 Lady Finger 51 384 Brinjal 74 27 Potato 73 1,048 Chilies 613 940 Tinda 14 74 Water Melon 55 679 Musk Melon 500 5,000 Onion 190 3,003
Source: Director General Agriculture, Quetta.

Some pulses are also grown in the district i.e. Moong, Mash and Mutter Pulse etc but in small quantity and use with in the district and can not be exported to other districts or provinces, Area and Production of Pulses of district Loralai 2004-2005 Pulses Area in Hectares Production in Tonnes Moong 380 232 Mash 229 155 Masoor 30 16 Mutter Pulse 87 39 Gran 26 13
Source: Director General Agriculture, Quetta.

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District Profile - Loralai

3.2.3 Marketing
The different types of fruits and vegetables produced are consumed within the district as well as a major part is sent outside the district. There are a number of intermediaries involved in the marketing process i.e. farmers, contractors, commission agents (Arti) and retailers. The district is a large producer of fruits and other major crops and therefore their products are exported from the district. The marketing system in the district is not properly developed and need improvement. The existing market practices can be group into three components. Direct Marketing by growers: Direct marketing is very common for vegetables; they are either sold to retailers or offered for auction through commission agents. Direct marketing gives the growers better returns. Marketing through Commission Agents: Commission agents play a major role in the sales of fruits and vegetables. They work either on behalf of the growers, for which they charge a commission, or for their own account, in which case they buy the crops and sell it at their own. Contract Marketing: The fruit orchards are contracted to interested parties at the start of the season. After the award of the contract the grower has no responsibility with regard to the production. He is only responsible for irrigation and other inputs. The roads from farm to market are not well developed. In rainy season the supplies cannot reach the markets in time. There is no cold storage, only the traditional on-farm storage exists. This traditional technique of storage is applied for crops like potato and onion. One cold store is constructed in the district headquarter Loralai, but it is not functional yet.

3.2.4 Extension services

The Agriculture Extension Loralai is working under the Executive District Officer (EDO) Agriculture. There are Agriculture Officers, Senior Investigator, Field Assistants and other support staff is working in Loralai District. The Department provides information and technical knowledge about agriculture to the farmers. The Department is also responsible for the establishment of research farms in the district. The On-Farm Water Management Section is responsible for the implementation of the On-Farm Water Management Project in the district.

3.2.5 Problems and Issues for Agriculture/Horticulture Sector

Major issues faced by this sector: 1. Unavailability of Cold storages. 2. Scarcity of Water resources. 3. Bad condition of roads and bridges. 4. Lack of value addition in the production 5. Load shedding (Electricity)
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District Profile - Loralai

6. Lack of awareness about efficient irrigation system

3.3

LIVESTOCK

Livestock is other important source of income and employment in the district. The main animals on which the people depend are sheep and goats. Moreover, the dairy and poultry business is also growing. These animals play a vital role in the economy of the district and provide food with rich nutrition value such as milk, meat and their by-products like wool, hair, butter, oil, cheese, curd, skin and intestines. The people also keep other animals like camels, horses, and donkeys. Beside men, women and children are also involved in the grazing of their animals, but, being family workers, they are not paid for their activities. The women also look after the animals within the house. They also collect fodder for the animals and do other work such as milking etc. Livestock population Loralai (census 2006) Animals 784961 Sheep 331737 Goats 131806 Cattle 943 Horses Donkeys 9150 716 Camels 4628 Buffalo 248 Mule
Source: Development Statistics of Balochistan 2005-2006.

3.3.1 Cattle
The people raise cows for dairy production. Buffaloes are raised mostly in the more protected urban areas, due to harsh weather they are rarely raised in the rural areas. Households usually keep a cow for milk production. Bulls and bullocks are used for the ploughing purposes. Hide and skins are sold in the open market by individuals or through middlemen.

3.3.2 Poultry
Poultry farming is the growing activity in district Loralai and there are about 100 privately owned Poultry farms in district, and the average capacity of a farm is about 2000 birds. Poultry is an important income generating activity of rural areas of the district. The chicks come from Multan, while the feed comes from other parts of Punjab. The peak season is of seven months that is from March to Octobar. Most of the production is used within the district.

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District Profile - Loralai

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Animals Slaughtered in slaughter houses, Loralai District 2004 - 2005 Type Number Cattle 16718 Sheep 13081 Goat 23404 Total 53203
Source: - Development Statistics of Balochistan 2004-2005.

3.3.3 Marketing
There is a Market located at new Ada of Loralai town. Mostly the livestock is bought from villages by middlemen and brought to the markets. The prices of small ruminants especially goat and sheep and cattle is also effected by Eid-ul-Azha when the prices increase by 100 %.

3.3.4 Extension services

There are 4 veterinary hospitals and 115 dispensaries in the district. A number of clinics for livestock have also been established by the private sector. Medicine is available in the market and as well as in the Government veterinary hospitals.

3.3.5 Problems and Issues for livestock sector

Livestock markets need to be established in proper premises where facilities of stock are made available on nominal charges. The livestock sector needs financial assistance in order to increase their productive capacity. Scarce source of water for livestock farming Lack and insufficient availability of balanced feed and fodder Lack of veterinary and laboratory testing facilities for milk and feeds adulteration Lack of development and management of grazing fields

3.4

MINERALS

The minerals found in Loralai district, include coal, marble and calcite. Coal mining is very common in the district and there are large numbers of people related to this sector, Marble mining and processing have increased in the district in recent years, whereas production of calcite is negligible. In this sector most of the people are employed in the coal mining, marble mining and processing while only few people are engaged in calcite mining.

3.4.1 Coal
Coal mining is very common and traditional business in the district and there are large numbers of SMEs related to this sector.There are two coal fields in district Loralai. Duki coal field is located in Loralai district, it is connected by metalled road, it covers an area of 300 sq. km. The total reserves of Duki coal field are estimated at about 13 million tons. Chamalung mountain range is situated about 40-45 Kms. north of Kohlu in tehsil Duki of Balochistan province. The Chamalang coal supply started again on 8th March 2007 after 30 years of dispute. The project would provide employment to 40,000 people. The coal mining activities would benefit people of the area and would ensure peaceful/friendly environment for development, thereby enhancing the public confidence people friendly policies of the
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District Profile - Loralai

11

federal and provincial governments. It is estimated that the project will generate employment for approximately minimum of 10,000 and maximum of 40,000 individuals. The area has the production capacity of initially about 6000 tons per day as now only two companies are involved in excavation. However, it is expected in near future that it will produce approximately 25,000 tons coal worth Rs. 100 million per day when many more companies will be involved in its mining. The fine quality of coal would be available even from less than 20 feet depth in Chamalang coalfield. Washed Coal can be used in industries like cement and sugar manufacturing units. It can also replace kerosene oil and firewood as domestic fuel and thus save the precious forest wealth from depletion. The area, thickness, seam and heating value of coal in Loralai. Name of Area of Seam thickness meters Coal seam coal field Coal field Dip Sq. km. Duki 100 Chamalang 120 Max 1.0 1.0 Min 0.3 0.3 Average 0.5 0.5 Degree 30-35 30-40

Heating value range L. Cal / Kg. 4610-6380 N.D

Source: Mines and Minerals Department Loralai.

Chamalung

3.4.2 Marble
Marble processing factories have increased significantly in Loralai district in recent years. There are about 20 marble processing units in Loralai. These marble processing plants provide processing facility to mine owners. The plants are processing (cut raw blocks to slabs & steps) raw marble blocks and produce marble slabs & steps that are further be cut to desired size & shapes. The processing plants not only supply marble for local use within Loralai district but also supply to other parts of the province being large markets i.e. Punjab and Sindh. Different varieties of marble in the District Loralai includes, Botesina cream, Botesina Rabbit, Botesina Fancy, Malaysia, Loralai white, Micro Botesina, Super White, Super Ziarat, Tipy, Tervera, Sunjavi Botesina, Bargar Botesina, and Ziarat Mix red etc.

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District Profile - Loralai

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Some of the marble bearing areas of the district include, Kasa, Karru, Gaza, Matwarkh, Mula Shahu, Sunawa, Bargar, Barhadh, Shabozai, Tora Tana, sapadar, Kach Amakzai, Injeergut, Pathan Kot, Chothair & Nana Sahib Ziarat (Duki). Production of Marble in District Loralai (2003-2004) No. Avg. Avg. Avg. Avg. daily Monthly Yearly Types Of Trucks/ HR/ tonnage production Prod. Prod. of (25 days) Mines day mine / truck
stones

Marble 81

67 trucks

10

22 tons

1474 ton

36850 tons

442200 tons

3.5

INDUSTRIES

There are very few industries operating in Loralai, they include Flour Mills, two ice factories, and Marble factories. The number of Marble factories has increased significantly during last decade. Major problem faced by flourmills is their dependence on wheat being supplied from Punjab and Sindh. There are two flour mills and more than 30 other commercial wheat grinders in the district.

3.6

HANDICRAFTS

The embroidery work has several varieties in the district. In Duki they include Gulan which is the best, and represents a flower, Charposh, Khajur or a date tree, and Sukrai. In Loralai the best known is Chakan which is worked on sleeves, front pieces of shirts, and on Masae or Paicha, Gaiters which are worn by Pashtoon women. The other articles manufactured in the district are Peshawars, Kormah and Shagai, which are carpets. Khurjins Pokh Ghindae and Darwar ghindae (Corn sacks), Uzhdan (bag for keeping cloths), Marai tubrai (a case for keeping bread), Sarai (Blanket) and goat hair blanketing for Kizhdis or tents. The tribal women are very good at the art of embroidery but they do not work on commercial basis. Women are mostly involved in darri and blanket making, carpet weaving, and caps and women dressmaking etc.

3.7

Potential projects:

Following projects are identified for investment in district Loralai: Green house farms and tunnels Farms Production of high quality fruits and vegetables requires proper greenhouses where environment is controlled. This controlled environment gives the producer control over what kind of fruit and vegetables he wants to produce and under what conditions. Another important aspect of using a greenhouse is that high quality products can be produced all year round, irrespective of the weather that exists outside. Fruit processing Balochistan is far from tapping the potential of processing and exporting dried fruits and vegetables as shown by the limited number of fruit processors and exporters currently available. Dried fruits have a large number of end-users including use in the dried fruit and nut industry, the breakfast cereal industry, the confectionery industry, the bakery industry,
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District Profile - Loralai

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other food products, and are consumed directly. The government through its policy on modernization of agriculture aims at promoting the development of rural agro-processing and marketing. Squashes, jams, jellies, juices, marmalade, ketchup and sauces etc. are the most common processed products. Cold storage Keeping in view the shelf life of the perishable food items it becomes essential to freeze and store these products the Cold storage can be used for perishable fruits and vegetables. Investors can expect handsome return on their investment in this field. Fruit & Vegetable dehydration Fruits and vegetables are among the readily perishable commodities which form an important part of global food supplies. District Loralai produces seasonal vegetables in almost three quarters of the year. A considerable proportion of these vegetables get spoiled before reaching the consumer. Theses losses can be minimized by adopting scientific techniques to convert the surplus produce into non-perishable products by way of preservation. Dehydration offers an economical and satisfactory means to extend the shelf life of vegetables; Cattle/Sheep/Goats Fattening Center Since nutrition is a serous limiting factor in the livestock industry of Balochistan with the result that many animals arrive at the market in less than optimal body condition with body weight on the lower end, there is a dire need to ensure feed availability round the year with proper protein contents for increasing livestock productivity rather then its numbers. Such a situation directs to adopt nonconventional feed preparation and feeding techniques like treatment of wheat/ rice straws and other crop residues with urea or ammonia, molasses bocks, silage making , concentrate mixtures with low cost formulae, feed lots, semi intensive farming and ewe flushing etc. With the switching over to semi-intensive farming which would warrant stall/ supplementary feeding, non-conventional and economical feeding techniques and improved genetic material, the livestock farming can become a cost effective enterprise with its down stream positive effects in the farming community. Dairy Farms

Dairy sector is a major component of the livestock sector in Loralai, but due to the absence of specialization, dairy sector has to be viewed in the overall perspective of the livestock sector. Milk production and distribution system suffers from many anomalies, which have diverse negative impacts on the economy in general, continue the rural poverty, national health hazards and other environmental issues. All the problems of the sector are translated into low dairy productivity levels. Poultry Farm Loralai is the land of unlimited hidden potentials. Among other things, poultry farming has got great scope for improvement. Poultry farming is not developed commercially, apart from some private poultry farms in urban areas. There are about 18 private poultry farms in the district. There is only one government owned poultry farm having 500 layer birds and 600 broilers. Coal Mining Coal mining is very common and traditional business in the district and there are two coal fields in district Loralai.

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District Profile - Loralai

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Duki coal field is located in Loralai district, it is connected by metalled road, and it covers an area of 300 sq. km. The total reserves of Duki coal field are estimated at about 13 million tons. The coal fields of Chamalong Bahlol which is recently been opened for exploration and mining through an agreement signed between Marri & Luni tribes by the efforts of Government of Pakistan & Govt. of Balochistan is considered to be the biggest coal fields of Asia. Chamalung mountain range is situated about 40-45 Kms. north of Kohlu in tehsil Duki of Loralai District. The area has the production capacity of initially about 6000 tons per day. However, it is expected in near future that it will produce approximately 25,000 tons coal worth Rs. 100 million per day when many more companies will be involved in its mining. Coal Washing Plant

The scope for the development of this sector came into light after the consideration at the national level for using coal as fuel in the cement plants. To meet the requirement of the cement plants the coal miners would have to upgrade their production to a uniform standard. This activity requires investment in the coal washing plant where coal from different mines would be treated to a homogeneous final product. Marble Mining

Marble is included in the list of largest minerals extracted among chromite, coal, rock salt, lime stone, china clay, dolomite, fire clay, gypsum, silica sand etc. Marble processing is gaining popularity due to increase in its usage in construction industry. Today almost all the modern architectural designs of houses and plazas include the final touch of beautiful shades of marble in exterior as well as interior portions. Marble processing units

In Loralai, there is a great demand for a fully equipped marble processing plant. The new plant could not only explore the construction industry within the city which is on a boom since past 9 years, but could also be able to full fill the orders from the adjoining areas. Moreover Government has also announced establishment of marble city at Loralai, where number of incentives has been announced for the investors. Expansion in this cluster will be more beneficial being the future gateway to the export markets. The unit can not only supply marble for local use but would also supply to other parts of the province and to its greater market i.e. Punjab. Stone Crushing Over the last few years, the Construction sector has been registering strong growth rates in the district. In addition, for the building of roads and bypasses, there is a mass and consistent need of crushed stone across the country. Several projects are in progress and are being commenced shortly which will have high demand of crushed stone all over the country. The projected requirements for the next 20 years reinforce the potential in Stone Crushing segment of the industry.

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District Profile - Loralai Hospitals and Clinics:

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Lack of infrastructure and growing number of population has increased demand of medical facilities, which has direct impact on public & private sector health care centers. No access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities has posed a major threat to the health of masses. Moreover, the overlapping and harsh climate of the region causes major viral diseases through out the year. This creates a great demand for hospitals and clinics.

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