Under CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab unveils ambitious scheme for animal health, dairy, meat production, and empowerment of farmers
LAHORE: The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has unveiled a landmark Rs. 5 billion Punjab Livestock Development Program 2025 aimed at revitalizing the province’s livestock sector, empowering rural farmers, and ensuring food security across Pakistan.
The program’s goals include supporting farmers, enhancing veterinary infrastructure, expanding disease-control measures, modernizing livestock practices, and engaging women in animal husbandry. The initiative is more than just a financial package — it is a strategic push toward sustainable agriculture and economic upliftment in Punjab.
Key components of the livestock package
The Punjab Livestock Development Program 2025 encompasses multiple facets to holistically address livestock and dairy challenges:
- Green Tractor Scheme (Rs. 1 billion): New support for farmers, with special emphasis on rural women’s participation in agriculture.
- Animal health & vaccination (Rs. 30 crore): A campaign to vaccinate and protect cattle, goats, sheep, and buffaloes from infectious diseases.
- Artificial insemination (Rs. 79.3 crore): To improve genetic quality and increase yields in meat and dairy production.
- Veterinary services expansion (Rs. 25 crore): Mobile veterinary clinics to reach remote areas and provide free medical treatment for livestock.
- Modern livestock facilities (Rs. 13 crore): Establishment of advanced veterinary hospitals for diagnostics and treatment.
- Awareness & digital support (Rs. 10 crore): Launch of a Livestock Mobile App to give farmers real-time info on animal health, subsidies, and services.
- Dairy & meat industry boost (Rs. 5 crore): Laboratories for quality control to meet international food safety standards.
- Small farmer support (Rs. 38 crore): Distribution of fodder seeds to reduce input costs for smallholder farmers.
Expected impact and benefits
If implemented effectively, the program is expected to:
- Reduce livestock mortality rates
- Increase productivity in milk and meat
- Create employment and self-employment opportunities in rural areas
- Empower women by enabling their active participation in livestock farming
- Strengthen food safety and export capacity of dairy and meat products
Furthermore, a Livestock & Dairy Development Helpline (08000-9211) will be operational 24/7 to assist farmers across Punjab with queries and support services.
Challenges and implementation outlook
For this ambitious plan to succeed, several challenges must be addressed:
- Ensuring transparent and timely disbursement of funds
- Capacity building and training of veterinary staff
- Effective monitoring and evaluation of vaccination, insemination, and mobile clinic programs
- Strong digital infrastructure and farmer outreach for the Livestock Mobile App
- Preventing misuse or delays in fund allocation
The government must also engage local farmer organizations, NGOs, and extension services to guarantee that benefits reach the most needy and remote communities.
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s initiative demonstrates a political will to modernize the livestock sector and uplift rural economies. Success will depend on rigorous execution, accountability, and inclusive engagement across Punjab.
