File:USAID Album 72157647436044136, image 141.jpg

• Description: Balochistan Agriculture project has introduced new sheep shearing practices to modernize the wool industry in the remote areas of the province. With the introduction of these practices along with new equipment, shearing time has been reduced six-fold and produces more even length fiber which has a higher commercial value.

Using new, innovative techniques is the key to increasing productivity, incomes, and economic growth in Balochistan. To promote the use of this technology in Pakistan, the project has provided support to private sector manufacturers to produce a mobile shearing station. The station is a tractor-pulled folding platform with four shearing stations, hand-held electric shears, and a sharpener. The shed can be operated by a team of seven men: four shearers, two roustabouts (assists the shearer with his shears and operates the generator) and a maintenance mechanic. The shed can be easily moved from one farm to another.

Abdul Khaliq's, a shearer that has been using the mobile stations, can speak first hand to the benefits of the improved practices and equipment. “The whole process has become so simple now I can shear more than 50 sheep in one day. In the past, I use to shear with a scissors and was hardly able to sheer 10 to 12 sheep in the same amount of time,” he said.

Credit: USAID Pakistan/Shehla Rizwan

• Album: 72157647436044136
• Image id: 14910226522
• Image url: 14910226522_ee45aef8c0_o.jpg