LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched the second phase of its Livestock Card scheme following the success of its initial phase. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated Phase II by digitally swiping a Livestock Card, highlighting the program’s advancement.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the launch event featured a documentary showcasing the Livestock Department’s initiatives. The chief minister noted the impressive 96 percent recovery rate achieved during Phase I. Provincial Minister for Livestock Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Secretary Livestock Ahmad Aziz Tarrar provided a detailed briefing on the scheme’s objectives and benefits.
The briefing disclosed that farmers would receive Rs27,000 per animal through the Livestock Card, enabling them to purchase essential supplies such as animal feed and mineral mixtures via interest-free loans. The government aims to bolster meat production by improving the nutrition of 600,000 animals over two years, with Rs16.2 billion allocated for interest-free loans.
Additional benefits of the Livestock Card include free animal tagging and anti-foot-and-mouth disease vaccinations. Farmers can also withdraw a portion of their loans in cash through ATMs.
The Livestock Connect portal has linked 23,000 farmers with meat exporters. The Punjab government has signed agreements with eight major exporters to enhance meat exports, including destinations like China, Saudi Arabia, and European markets. The number of registered women livestock farmers increased significantly, and animal exports rose by 43 percent, with meat exports growing by $96 million in one year.
The scheme has issued 23,312 Livestock Cards, facilitating over 70,000 transactions by 1,739 farmers. Farmers have invested significantly in animal feed and other supplies, with expenditures detailed in the briefing.
To assist farmers in registering for the scheme, an online portal and a 24/7 helpline (0800-09211) have been established, ensuring continuous support for the agricultural community.