CM Punjab launches Livestock Card scheme, farmers’ guidance app

RAWALPINDI: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz approved the first-ever Punjab Livestock Card scheme aimed at empowering livestock farmers in the province and boosting the agricultural sector.

Under the scheme, the Punjab government will provide interest-free loans of up to Rs. 2.5 lakh to farmers for cattle fodder, making it easier for farmers to manage their livestock.

During the meeting presided over by CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz on Sunday, she also approved the first-ever Punjab Livestock Card and a dedicated “Farmer Guidance App”.

She has instructed the concerned department to develop a scheme for dairy farming in South Punjab, with a focus on simplifying the loan process for farmers in the region. She said the government wanted to make the livestock farmers economically independent. 

Punjab Livestock Card Scheme

In the first phase of the Livestock Card Scheme, the government plans to distribute 40,000 Punjab Livestock Cards across the province.

Through the cards, the government will provide interest-free loans to farmers in easy installments. This scheme is expected to facilitate the export of meat from 400,000 animals.

Farmers can avail of an easy loan of Rs. 2.7 lakh for silage, fodder, and mineral mixtures. This loan can be repaid within 30 days using the Punjab Livestock Card.

Furthermore, the Punjab Livestock Card Scheme will offer various services to farmers, including free animal tagging, disease prevention services, and quality testing facilities for silage and fodder.

The animal identity traceability system in Punjab will facilitate the maintenance of livestock.

Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Provincial Minister of Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain, Special Assistant Rashid Nasrullah, Chief Secretary Zahidakhtar Zaman, Secretary Livestock, and other officials attended the meeting.