Govt to set up model cattle markets in major cities

Senior minister says markets will be set up in six cities of Punjab in first phase

LAHORE:  

The Punjab government will establish model cattle markets in all major cities of the province, said Punjab Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan.

He was presiding over a meeting of Cattle Market and Management Company officials on Wednesday.

The minister said that model cattle markets will be set up in six cities of Punjab in the first phase. He directed officials to make a comprehensive plan and establish these markets along the pattern of those in developed countries. He urged them to use the public-private partnership mode and provide modern-day facilities.

The minister highlighted that cattle farming provides milk and meat for citizens so it was necessary to increase the production capacity of the livestock sector. Animal rearing should be done on a scientific basis instead of using decades-old cattle farming techniques, he said. Aleem underlined there was a dire need for proper counseling of farmers and the development of meat processing and marketing facilities.

Aleem asked Local Government and Community Department (LGCDD) officials to take measures to provide government land to these cattle markets and ensure proper security, along with basic facilities, including veterinary doctors.

He added Prime Minister Imran Khan had laid great importance to the livestock sector. "We all should take possible steps to strengthen this sector."

He said that with the help of capable and hardworking officers, Cattle Market Companies will be reorganised and more targets will be set to enhance their capacity. Aleem said that these companies aimed to provide facilities to the common man and heavy funds could also be generated through them. "I will monitor the working of the Cattle Market Management Company and no negligence will be tolerated. The development of the livestock sector can boost rural and urban areas at the same time."

The minister was briefed by the local government secretary, the Lahore commissioner and the Cattle Market Company's managing director. During the meeting, various proposals came under discussion. The meeting was told that the Cattle Market Company has produced satisfactory results in Lahore and Sheikhupura. After the provision of maximum facilities at these markets, entry fees on small and big animals can also be imposed, the meeting added. Aleem approved new parameters for the Cattle Market Companies and directed officials to start work immediately.

The minister presided over another meeting to review different affairs of Gujranwala. He gave the deputy commissioner till Monday to specify government land which was evacuated in the recent encroachment operation. He said such lands will be allocated for educational, health and other welfare purposes.

Aleem directed officials to resolve the issues of Anjuman Taleem-e-Niswaan members and provide them with 10 kanals of alternate lands to set up a school which will be at the disposal of the education department. He also directed officials to provide 25 to 30 kanals of land for the construction of a new hospital in Gujranwala. Punjab Education Minister Dr Muraad Raas attended the meeting, while Gujranwala deputy commissioner, local government secretary and special secretary education also briefed the meeting on the affairs in the region.