Muhammad Luqman

The Punjab Livestock Department has launched the second phase of its livestock loan scheme to help cattle farmers enhance milk and meat production, meet domestic demand, and expand exports to food-deficient regions such as the Middle East. According to the 7th Agricultural Census 2024, Punjab remains Pakistan’s leading livestock province, housing 104.2 million animals, including 16.9 million cattle and 14.2 million buffaloes, alongside vast populations of goats, sheep, and poultry.

“Under the scheme, loans will be provided for the farming of 300,000 livestock heads during the fiscal year 2025–26,” said Dr. Haider Ali Khan, Director of the Punjab Livestock Department. He told Wealth Pakistan that Livestock Cards, similar to Kissan Cards, are being issued to animal farmers across rural Punjab. Through these cards, farmers can access loans ranging from Rs135,000 to Rs270,000 for up to four months, with a one-month grace period for repayment.

Dr. Khan also announced the launch of the second phase of the free livestock distribution programme in 12 districts of South Punjab, focusing on empowering women. “This initiative aims to support poor and deserving women by providing them with cows, buffaloes, and goats so they can earn a sustainable livelihood through dairy farming,” he said. A total of 5,500 animals will be distributed among women in Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Kot Addu during the current fiscal year.

The Director confirmed that Rs370 million has already been disbursed to farmers under the loan programme. Livestock experts have termed the scheme a major step toward strengthening rural economies and making animal husbandry a profitable profession. “Livestock contributes just 11% to Pakistan’s GDP, yet it holds enormous potential to boost economic growth, especially in Punjab,” said Dr. Muhammad Junaid, Livestock Consultant at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.

He told Wealth Pakistan that the initiative could help Pakistan tap into Malaysia’s plan to import meat worth US$200 million from the country. Punjab currently contributes 43% of Pakistan’s beef production and 32% of its mutton output, he added. Highlighting the broader potential, Dr. Junaid noted: “The global halal meat market has surpassed US$2.8 trillion and is projected to reach US$7.5 trillion by 2032. By modernizing our livestock sector, Pakistan can secure a share in these lucrative international markets — just like Brazil, Australia, and Argentina.”

He also pointed to the dairy sector’s untapped capacity, observing that while the global dairy market is valued at US$1.03 trillion, Pakistan’s export share remains negligible despite being the fourth-largest milk producer in the world. “Only concerted efforts at both federal and provincial levels can turn Pakistan into a major exporter of milk and meat products,” Dr. Junaid concluded.

Credit: INP-WealthPk