By Muhammad Luqman
Imagine a farmer in rural Punjab receiving a loan to buy cows or goats that can help feed families and even supply meat to international markets.
That’s exactly what the Punjab Livestock Department is aiming for with the second phase of its livestock loan scheme, designed to improve milk and meat production, meet domestic demand, and expand exports to food-shortage regions like the Middle East.
Punjab Remains Pakistan’s Top Livestock Province
According to the 7th Agricultural Census 2024, Punjab remains Pakistan’s top livestock province, with 104.2 million animals, including 16.9 million cattle, 14.2 million buffaloes, and large populations of goats, sheep, and poultry.
Loan Distribution Through Livestock Cards
“Under this scheme, loans will be provided for farming 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 farmers across rural Punjab.
These cards allow farmers to access loans between Rs135,000 and Rs270,000 for up to four months, with a one-month grace period for repayment.
Supporting Women Farmers with Free Livestock
Dr. Khan also announced the second phase of the free livestock distribution program in 12 districts of South Punjab, with a focus on empowering women.
“This initiative will support poor and deserving women by providing them with cows, buffaloes, and goats so they can earn a sustainable income through dairy farming,” he said.
A total of 5,500 animals will be given to 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 program.
Economic Potential of the Livestock Sector
Livestock experts say this scheme is an important step for strengthening rural economies and making animal husbandry a profitable career.
“Livestock contributes just 11% to Pakistan’s GDP, but it has huge potential to boost economic growth, especially in Punjab,” said
Dr. Muhammad Junaid, a Livestock Consultant at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
He told Wealth Pakistan that the initiative could help Pakistan meet Malaysia’s plan to import US$200 million worth of meat. Punjab currently produces 43% of the country’s beef and 32% of its mutton.
Highlighting the global opportunity, Dr. Junaid noted: “The halal meat market is now over US$2.8 trillion and is expected to reach US$7.5 trillion by 2032.
By modernizing our livestock sector, Pakistan can compete with countries like Brazil, Australia, and Argentina.”
He also pointed out that the dairy sector has huge untapped potential. Even though Pakistan is the fourth-largest milk producer in the world, its share in global dairy exports is very small.
“Only coordinated efforts by the federal and provincial governments can turn Pakistan into a major exporter of milk and meat products,” Dr. Junaid said.
Author Profile
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Muhammad Luqman is an experienced journalist specializing in agriculture, livestock, and rural development in Pakistan.
He writes insightful reports on government initiatives, economic potential, and policy impacts in the agriculture and livestock sectors, highlighting how local programs shape livelihoods and boost national and international markets.
