ISLAMABAD, Oct 21 (APP):The Punjab Livestock Department has disbursed Rs370 million among farmers under its livestock loan scheme, as the province pushes ahead with the second phase of the initiative aimed at enhancing milk and meat production.
Dr. Haider Ali Khan, Director of the Punjab Livestock Department, told Wealth Pakistan that under the ongoing fiscal year 2025–26 plan, loans will be provided for the farming of 300,000 livestock heads across rural Punjab.
“The department is issuing Livestock Cards, similar to the Kissan Cards used by crop farmers. Through these cards, livestock farmers can access short-term credit of Rs135,000 to Rs270,000 for up to four months, with a one-month grace period for repayment,” he said.
Dr. Khan explained that this targeted financial support will allow farmers to purchase feed, medicine, and breeding stock, thereby raising the quality and quantity of milk and meat produced across the province.
Punjab continues to dominate Pakistan’s livestock economy. The 7th Agricultural Census 2024 shows the province houses 104.2 million animals, including 16.9 million cattle and 14.2 million buffaloes, along with large populations of goats, sheep, and poultry.
In addition to the credit programme, the department has rolled out the second phase of its free livestock distribution initiative in 12 districts of South Punjab, with a special focus on empowering women through income generation.
“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,” Dr. Khan said.
A total of 5,500 animals are being distributed among women in Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Kot Addu. Officials said women beneficiaries will also receive veterinary guidance and training to manage their animals effectively and build small-scale rural enterprises.
Livestock experts have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a transformative step for Punjab’s rural economy.
Dr. Muhammad Junaid, Livestock Consultant at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, told Wealth Pakistan that the programme has the potential to turn animal husbandry into a profitable profession.
“Livestock currently contributes around 11% to Pakistan’s GDP, yet it holds enormous untapped potential to boost growth, particularly in Punjab,” he noted. “The scheme can strengthen small farmers’ income base and help Pakistan expand its share in international markets.”
Dr. Junaid pointed out that Malaysia alone plans to import meat worth US$200 million from Pakistan in the coming years, and Punjab—with 43% of the country’s beef and 32% of its mutton output—is best placed to meet that demand.
He added that the global halal meat market, valued at US$2.8 trillion, is projected to grow to US$7.5 trillion by 2032, presenting massive opportunities for Pakistani exporters.
“By modernizing the livestock sector and improving certification and traceability systems, Pakistan can join leading exporters such as Brazil, Australia, and Argentina,” he said.
Beyond meat, Punjab’s dairy sector also represents a huge yet underutilized opportunity.
Despite being the fourth-largest milk producer in the world, Pakistan’s export share in the global dairy market remains negligible.
“The global dairy industry is worth US$1.03 trillion, and Pakistan can tap into it if it develops cold-chain infrastructure, processing plants, and quality certification standards,” Dr. Junaid said.
He stressed that both federal and provincial coordination is vital to transform Pakistan into a significant exporter of milk and meat products.
