By Muhammad Luqman
LAHORE, Jan 31: Punjab’s newly launched digital livestock monitoring system is expected to improve disease control and animal healthcare by enabling real-time tracking of veterinary services, officials and experts say.
The Punjab government approved the initiative to modernise livestock management across the province. The Punjab Information Technology Board developed the digital platform.
Real-time monitoring of veterinary services
The system brings all services of the Livestock and Dairy Development Department into one digital framework. It connects field operations with the “Livestock Connect” platform.
As a result, authorities can monitor mobile veterinary units, staff attendance and service delivery in real time. This monitoring also improves transparency and accountability.
Vice-Chancellor of Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Prof Mazhar Ayaz said the system would ensure timely vaccination and treatment for farmers.
“Farmers can now access vaccines and treatment in real time,” he told Wealth Pakistan. “They will also receive guidance on seasonal and animal health issues.”
Moreover, the system allows farmers to report missed vaccinations or staff absenteeism. This feature strengthens oversight at the field level.
Focus on border districts and disease prevention
Prof Mazhar said the system would closely monitor border districts, including Attock, Dera Ghazi Khan, Koh-e-Suleman, Bhakkar and Rahim Yar Khan.
These areas face a higher risk of trans-boundary animal diseases. Therefore, digital surveillance will help authorities respond faster.
He identified Lumpy Skin Disease, Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Peste des Petits Ruminants as major threats. Peste des Petits Ruminants mainly affects sheep and goats.
“Most of these diseases enter through border areas,” he said. “With digital surveillance, control will improve significantly.”
Support for field staff and farmers
Meanwhile, the provincial cabinet has approved a fixed monthly travel allowance of Rs4,000 for veterinary assistants and artificial insemination technicians.
Prof Mazhar described the decision as a long-pending reform. He said the allowance would cover fuel and maintenance costs.
As a result, field staff will improve mobility and focus better on service delivery.
Livestock sector shows steady growth
These measures come as Pakistan’s livestock sector continues to show steady growth. Official data show the sector grew by 4.72 percent in FY25.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, livestock growth stood at 2.80 percent in FY20. It rose to 2.38 percent in FY21 and 2.25 percent in FY22.
Growth then accelerated to 3.70 percent in FY23 and 4.38 percent in FY24. It further improved in FY25.
Prof Mazhar linked this progress to rising demand for milk and meat. He also cited better farm management and improved animal health services.
He added that small farmers play a key role in this growth. For them, livestock remains a vital source of income and security.
Need for targeted investment
However, Prof Mazhar said sustained growth requires further investment. He called for stronger focus on feed development, disease control and value-added processing.
In addition, better market linkages can boost rural employment and food security. Such steps can also support national economic goals, he added.