The livestock sector in Punjab is the base of the country’s rural economy and a major driver of economic growth. Currently, more than 8 million rural households are engaged in livestock production and this sector contributes 35-40 percent of their household income.
According to the Economic Survey 2023-24, the livestock sector has maintained= its position as a core component of agricultural development. Last year, it contributed 60.84 percent to agricultural value added.
The sector recorded a strong growth rate of 3 .9 percent. While its share in total national exports is 1.6 percent, which shows its growing role in international trade. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government has allocated a huge funds of Rs. 20 billion for this sector in the Budget 2024-25, due to its development & promotion for fulfilling the increasing food needs. The following initiatives and projects have been launched from these development funds.
Livestock Card
The launch of the Chief Minister Punjab Livestock Card at a cost of more than Rs 4 billion is a very important project aimed at providing financial assistance to small and medium farmers so that they can meet their needs for animal feed and feed supplements.
In addition, to promote financial inclusion and access to interest-free credit for farmers in rural areas so that the countr y ’s economy can be boosted by increasing the meat production capacity of animals. Under this project, 40 to 80 thousand farmers are being issued livestock cards through the Bank of Punjab during 2 years. Through which they are being provided with interest-free credit facilities of Rs 135,000 to Rs 270,000. To obtain the Chief Minister Punjab Livestock Card, owning at lea s t 5 to 10 male calves/ young stock(buff/cow), verification of credit history through NADRA and ECIB are part of the eligibility criteria. The selection of eligible applicants is being done on a “first come, first served basis”. During this program, 400,000 animals are being registered in the feedlot fattening program. This will not only make affordable and quality protein available locally. It will also create more opportunities for exports to the international halal meat market.
Livestock Assets Transfer Program to Rural Women in South Punjab
For the economic development of women and providing decent employment, livestock assets are being transferred to rural women in South Punjab. Under this project, free heifers are being provided to 11,000 poor rural, divorced/widowed women not above 55 years of age in 12 districts of South Punjab during the next 2 years at a cost of Rs. 2 billion. This project will not only increase the monthly income of these helpless women but will also fulfilling their nutritional needs and provide milk for domestic consumption and more importantly, it will create a sense of self-reliance and empowerment among these women.
Genetic Improvement of Animals through Providing Semen
Genetic improvement of animals is an important pillar of the livestock sector. For the development and promotion of this sector, a project has been launched to improve the genetic quality of non-descript cows through the provision of foreign semen at a cost of Rs. 1 billion.The aim of this project is to increase the genetic quality of non-descript cows through the provision of 1.2 million foreign (Friesian, Brahman, Angus, Nellore, Red Sindhi and Gir breed) semen. In addition, 150 local and foreign cows will be implanted through IVF technology for research and study.Moreover, candidate bulls will be produced with the help of field drills at the Livestock Production Research Institute, Bahadur Nagar (Okara).
Project of Providing Male Goats and Heifers
Male goats and heifers are being provided at a cost of Rs. 500 million for the breeding of goats and ewes. The aim of this project is to increase the overall production of meat through male sheep and goats with high genetic potential. Under this project, not only extension services will be provided to goat/chhattra farmers in 4 districts of Dera Ghazi Khan and Bhakkar and Khushab in Sargodha division, but also vaccination facilities will be provided to reduce the mortality rate of these animals. Improving the capacity of livestock farmers in animal breeding, feeding, breeding and disease control is also part of the main objectives of this project.About 5000 male goats and chhattra will be distributed in the next 2 years under the project. This project should be monitored and validated by the Urban Unit.
Project of Betterment for Semen Production Unit Karnaniwala and Qadirabad
To improve the genetic potential of the animals and the infrastructure, the project of upgrading the semen production units Karaniwala and Qadirabad at a cost of Rs. 239 million is also on the list. The main objective of this project is to improve the semen production and storage facilities of both the semen production units as well as purchase and installation of machines for automatic semen filling and sealing.
This project will significantly help in increasing breeding coverage through artificial insemination.Which will make it possible to increase local production of milk and meat.
Project of Providing Latest Ultrasound Machines at Tehsil Level
Ultrasound machines are also being provided at a cost of Rs. 150 million to improve the quality and scope of services in tehsil hospitals across Punjab. Which will not only help in improving diagnostic facilities in livestock but will also increase the capacity of technical staff.
Establishment of Civil Veterinary Dispensaries
In order to improve the infrastructure under the Livestock Department, 8 new civil veterinary dispensaries are being constructed and renovated across the province in the next 2 years. To further improve door-to-door treatment facilities, 3500 motorcycles are being provided to para-veterinary staff soon this this year.
These steps taken by the government under the leadership of Chief Minister, will not only provide facilities to the doorstep of the farmer but also improve milk and meet production. Time will prove that measures taken for the Livestock Department would have far-reaching results, which lead to the prosperity of the farmer as well as the country’s economy on the path of development.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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