Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has digitally inaugurated Phase-II of the Livestock Card scheme. The launch aims to support livestock farmers through interest-free loans and better access to animal nutrition. The development was reported by 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.
During the event, a special documentary about the Livestock Department was screened. Maryam Nawaz also expressed satisfaction over the 96 percent recovery rate recorded in Phase-I. Livestock Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Livestock Secretary Ahmed Aziz Tarar briefed the chief minister about the programme.
Under Phase-II, eligible farmers will receive Rs27,000 per animal through the Livestock Card. The funds can be used to purchase cattle feed, known locally as wanda, silage, and mineral mixtures. These essential inputs will be available through interest-free credit to help farmers improve animal nutrition.
The Punjab government plans to provide interest-free loans worth Rs16.20 billion under the second phase. Farmers will repay the principal amount, while the provincial government will cover the interest costs. The programme aims to improve meat production by providing balanced nutrition to 600,000 livestock over two years.
The scheme will also facilitate free livestock tagging and vaccination against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). Farmers will be allowed to withdraw 25 percent of their approved interest-free loan as cash through ATMs. These measures are intended to improve livestock care and help farmers manage their operational expenses.
According to the briefing, 23,312 Livestock Cards have been prepared for farmers across Punjab. A total of 1,739 farmers have completed more than 70,000 transactions using the cards. Farmers have spent funds on 20 million units of minerals, 8.7 million units of silage, and Rs892.6 million worth of animal feed.
The government has also introduced measures to connect farmers with export markets. Around 23,000 farmers have been linked directly with meat exporters through the Livestock Connect Portal. The Punjab government has signed memorandums of understanding with eight major exporters. Agreements covering markets in China, Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Europe have also been signed through PAMCO.
The briefing further stated that the number of female livestock farmers in Punjab increased from 90 to 1,107 under the initiative. Animal exports from the province reportedly rose by 43 percent. Meat exports also increased by $96 million in one year, according to the information presented at the event.
Farmers can register themselves for the Livestock Card through the online portal. A round-the-clock helpline, 080009211, has also been established to assist livestock farmers.
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The launch of Phase-II expands the programme’s focus on financing, animal health, and market access. Its stated targets include improving livestock nutrition, increasing meat production, and supporting farmers’ participation in domestic and international markets.
