CM Maryam Nawaz launches livestock card for empowering rural women

LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced a Rs 2 billion package for rural women, and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the CM Livestock Card to open the doors to decent employment and economic freedom.

The record package aims to benefit 11,000 rural women in 12 districts.

Under this initiative, rural women will get free cows and buffaloes to raise and earn a living. The CM Livestock Project has been launched in Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.

Women from villages of Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur and Kot Addu will also be given free cows and buffaloes. These women will be able to raise livestock and earn a decent income.

80,000 livestock farmers will be able to avail interest-free loans of Rs 27,000 per animal through the CM Livestock Card. They can also purchase feed, mineral mixtures and silage up to PKR 270,000 from registered dealers across Punjab.

Farmers will be able to purchase fodder etc. in equal installments over four months and the card will help in preparing 400,000 animals for meat export.

To facilitate animal care, an animal identification tracking system has been implemented. A helpline and online registration services are available for farmers. Free disinfection, free pregnancy services, and quality testing of feed and silage will also be provided.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif stressed that the journey of development has begun and every rural woman deserves prosperity. The Punjab Chief Minister also assured full support to livestock farmers, saying that increasing milk and meat production would boost exports along with local needs.