December 31, 2024

Punjab, Pakistan, introduces US$7 million livestock package for rural women

The Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, on December 29 introduced a record livestock package of Rs.2 billion (US$7 million) to ensure economic independence of 11,000 destitute rural women in 12 districts of south Punjab.

Under the initiative, cows and buffaloes will be provided free of cost to rural women so that they can raise them and earn income for their families.

Sharif launched the  livestock project for rural women in Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. Free cows and buffaloes will also be provided to women in villages of Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Kot Addu.

The chief minister said: "Destitute women of villages will be able to earn dignified employment by raising cows and buffaloes. Some 80,000 cattle farmers of Punjab will be able to get interest-free loans worth Rs.27,000 (US$95) per animal on easy installments. They will be able to buy Vanda, mineral mixture, and silage from registered dealers by using Livestock Cards. Four lakh (400,000) animals will be ready for meat export under the project.

"The Animal Identity Traceability System will be implemented for the ease of livestock care. Helpline for the farmers is active besides the availability of online registration facility.

"Farmers will also be provided with services like free digging, free insemination, Vanda and silage quality testing.

"We will fully support livestock farmers of Punjab. Increasing milk and meat production will not only meet local needs but would also increase their exports."

- The News International