Unlicensed VRI vaccine being sold across Pakistan, Senate told

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research was told that an unlicensed VRI vaccine for cattle is being sold and used across Pakistan despite directions issued in 2020 requiring the necessary licence.

The committee, which met under the chairmanship of Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, expressed concern over the vaccine’s regulatory status and its use in livestock.

Senator Aimal Wali Khan told the committee that some cattle vaccinated with VRI later contracted Haemorrhagic Septicaemia, a serious disease affecting cattle. He questioned the vaccine’s effectiveness and why it was still being used without the required licence.

The Director General of the Department of Livestock briefed the committee on the issue. The committee was informed that the VRI vaccine was being sold and administered in different parts of the country without the required licences.

The committee’s discussion raised questions about the safety and regulation of vaccines used to protect livestock, particularly since farmers depend on vaccination to prevent serious animal diseases.

The meeting also examined the decline in wheat and rice yields. The Minister for National Food Security and Research said the use of uncertified seeds, insufficient fertilizer and climate change were among the major factors affecting agricultural production.

The Secretary of the ministry told the committee that wheat production fell in 2024 but improved in 2026. He said wheat production was closely linked to the availability of DAP fertilizer, with half the supply produced locally and the other half imported from Saudi Arabia.

He also said agriculture was largely a provincial responsibility, with about 90 percent of related responsibilities transferred to the provinces.

The committee recommended that tobacco be declared a crop instead of a commodity and that a policy be prepared to protect tobacco growers. Senator Aimal Wali Khan also raised concern over unsold tobacco in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A subcommittee was formed to examine the issue.

The committee was also briefed on olive production. The minister said Pakistan had made progress in olive cultivation, become a permanent member of the International Olive Council and received four international awards. Balochistan was identified as the largest olive producing province.

The chairman also expressed concern over the high level of palm oil imports and called for stronger checks on local vegetable oil and ghee producers to ensure fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices.