By Muhammad Luqman
LAHORE, October 20 (Wealth Pakistan): The Punjab Livestock Department has launched the second phase of its livestock loan scheme for cattle farmers. The program aims to raise milk and meat production, meet local demand, and earn foreign exchange through exports to food-deficient markets such as the Middle East.
Punjab leads in livestock population
According to the 7th Agricultural Census 2024, Punjab remains Pakistan’s livestock hub with 104.2 million animals. These include 16.9 million cattle and 14.2 million buffaloes, along with large numbers of goats, sheep, and poultry.
Dr. Haider Ali Khan, Director of the Punjab Livestock Department, said that loans will support farming of 300,000 livestock heads during the fiscal year 2025–26.
Easy livestock loans for rural farmers
Dr. Khan told Wealth Pakistan that the department has started issuing Livestock Cards, similar to the Kissan Cards. These cards allow rural farmers to get loans between Rs135,000 and Rs270,000. Each loan will be provided for four months with a one-month grace period for repayment.
Women’s empowerment through livestock
The second phase of the free livestock distribution scheme has also begun in 12 districts of South Punjab. It focuses on helping women build livelihoods through dairy farming.
“Poor and deserving women are receiving free animals such as cows, buffaloes, and goats so they can start small dairy farms,” Dr. Khan said.
A total of 5,500 animals will go to women in Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Kot Addu. So far, Rs370 million has already been distributed among farmers.
Livestock’s economic potential
Experts view the initiative as a step toward making animal husbandry a profitable business in Punjab’s rural economy.
“Livestock contributes around 11 percent to Pakistan’s GDP, yet its potential remains underutilized,” said Dr. Muhammad Junaid, Consultant at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
He added that Malaysia’s plan to import meat worth US$200 million from Pakistan shows the export potential of the sector. Punjab already produces 43 percent of Pakistan’s beef and 32 percent of its mutton.
Growing global demand for halal meat
Dr. Junaid pointed out that the global halal meat market now exceeds 2.8 trillion dollars and could reach 7.5 trillion dollars by 2032. He said Pakistan can expand its market share if it strengthens the livestock supply chain and ensures international quality standards.
He also noted that, although Pakistan is the fourth-largest milk producer, its share in the 1,035-billion-dollar global dairy market is still very small.
“Federal and provincial governments must work together to help Pakistan emerge as a key exporter of milk and meat products,” he said.