Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the second phase of the Livestock Card scheme to support livestock farmers across the province. She formally inaugurated the programme by swiping a Livestock Card at a ceremony on Wednesday.
The government plans to provide Rs16.2 billion in interest-free loans to help farmers improve animal nutrition, increase meat production and strengthen the livestock sector.
Farmers to Receive Rs27,000 Per Animal
Under Phase II, eligible farmers will receive Rs27,000 per animal through the Livestock Card. They can use the credit to purchase essential livestock inputs, including cattle feed, silage and mineral mixtures.
Farmers will repay the principal amount, while the Punjab government will cover the interest costs. The scheme also allows beneficiaries to withdraw up to 25% of their loan amount in cash through ATMs.
The government aims to improve nutrition for 600,000 animals over two years. Officials expect balanced feeding to support better livestock health and higher meat production.
Phase I Records 96% Recovery Rate
During the launch ceremony, Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction with the 96% loan recovery rate recorded under Phase I.
Livestock Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Livestock Secretary Ahmed Aziz Tarar briefed the chief minister on the programme’s progress.
The government has also introduced free livestock tagging and foot-and-mouth disease vaccination under the scheme. These measures aim to improve animal identification, health monitoring and disease prevention.
Punjab Expands Meat Export Opportunities
The briefing highlighted progress in connecting farmers with meat exporters through the Livestock Connect Portal. Officials said 23,000 farmers had been linked directly with exporters.
The Punjab government has signed memorandums of understanding with eight major exporters. These agreements cover potential meat exports to China, Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and European markets.
Officials also reported a $96 million increase in Punjab’s meat exports over one year. They attributed the growth to initiatives supporting livestock production and market access.
The programme aims to improve farmers’ access to credit while supporting the province’s wider livestock and meat export sector.
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