The Punjab government has launched the second phase of its Livestock Card Scheme, offering interest-free loans worth Rs16.2 billion to livestock farmers to improve animal nutrition, increase meat production and strengthen the province’s livestock sector. The initiative aims to improve the nutrition of 600,000 animals over the next two years by helping farmers purchase essential feed and nutritional products. Under the programme, eligible farmers will receive Rs27,000 per animal to purchase wanda, silage and mineral mixtures. The provincial government will cover the interest costs, allowing beneficiaries to repay only the principal amount. The scheme also provides an option to withdraw 25% of the approved loan amount in cash through automated teller machines, giving farmers additional flexibility in managing their expenses.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the second phase digitally on Wednesday by swiping a Livestock Card during a special ceremony. Alongside financial assistance, the programme will provide free animal tagging and vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease to improve animal health and productivity. These measures are intended to help farmers maintain healthier livestock, improve feeding practices and increase the potential output of meat-producing animals. By reducing the financial burden associated with animal nutrition and preventive healthcare, the government aims to support livestock owners who may otherwise struggle to meet the rising costs of maintaining their animals. The initiative also seeks to strengthen the agricultural economy by improving the productivity of livestock farming and supporting a more reliable supply of animals and meat for domestic and international markets.
During the inauguration briefing, Provincial Minister for Livestock Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Secretary Livestock Ahmad Aziz Tarar informed the chief minister about the scheme’s objectives, financial support arrangements and progress achieved during its initial phase. Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction with the 96% recovery rate recorded under Phase I, indicating that the majority of the financial assistance provided through the programme had been recovered. The recovery performance is an important consideration for the continuation of a government-backed lending scheme, as repayments can help maintain financial resources for future beneficiaries. The second phase builds on the initial programme by extending support to additional livestock farmers and placing greater emphasis on animal nutrition, productivity and access to commercial markets.
The scheme has also introduced measures to connect livestock farmers with buyers and improve their participation in the meat supply chain. Through the Livestock Connect portal, 23,000 farmers have been directly connected with meat exporters, providing them with opportunities to reach potential buyers and explore commercial partnerships. The Punjab government has signed memorandums of understanding with eight major meat exporters to promote exports and strengthen market access for livestock producers. In addition, the Punjab Animal and Meat Company, known as PAMCO, has signed agreements aimed at facilitating access to markets in China, Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Europe. These initiatives are intended to create stronger links between livestock production and international demand, helping farmers access wider commercial opportunities beyond local markets.
The provincial government has also reported an increase in women’s participation in livestock farming under the programme. According to the briefing, the number of women beneficiaries rose from 90 to 1,107, expanding access to financial support for women involved in the sector. Greater participation can provide more livestock owners with opportunities to invest in animal nutrition, improve farming practices and connect with buyers. The briefing also reported that Punjab’s animal exports had increased by 43%, while meat exports rose by $96 million over one year. These figures highlight the potential contribution of livestock production to export earnings, although continued growth will depend on animal health, production standards, market access and the ability of producers to meet buyers’ requirements.
The programme’s initial implementation has also generated measurable activity in the use of Livestock Cards. Officials reported that 23,312 cards had been prepared for farmers, while 1,739 farmers had completed more than 70,000 transactions through the scheme. Expenditure records showed that farmers spent Rs892.6 million on wanda, Rs87 million on silage and Rs20 million on mineral mixtures. These purchases demonstrate how the financial assistance has been directed towards essential animal feeding requirements. Access to these products can help farmers maintain animal nutrition and support efforts to increase productivity. The transaction figures also provide an indication of how beneficiaries are using the scheme to purchase agricultural inputs rather than relying entirely on their own available funds.
To facilitate registration and provide assistance to applicants, the Punjab Livestock Department has established a 24-hour helpline. Farmers can also register for the Livestock Card Scheme through the department’s online portal. These channels are intended to make information and registration services accessible to eligible livestock owners seeking financial assistance. The combination of interest-free lending, animal healthcare support and digital access to registration and market connections forms part of the provincial government’s effort to strengthen livestock farming. The effectiveness of the second phase will depend on how efficiently eligible farmers receive and use the loans, maintain repayment performance and translate improvements in animal nutrition into higher production. By connecting financial support with wider market access, Punjab aims to improve livestock productivity while creating additional opportunities for farmers and the province’s meat export industry.
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