Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has underscored the need for rationalizing taxes and bringing about structural reforms in the dairy sector to improve affordability, ensure safe nutrition, and support farmers in the country. He was speaking at a pre-budget consultation jointly organised by SDPI and PDA, a statement issued on Sunday said.

The minister said livestock accounts for nearly 60 per cent of the agriculture sector and holds significant potential for both domestic nutrition and exports.

He acknowledged that taxation policies, particularly sales tax on dairy products, had affected production and growth.