11k village women to get free cattle in South Punjab

CM says animals would be reared for meat export

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a record package of Rs2 billion for the economic independence of 11,000 destitute rural women of 12 districts of South Punjab.

Under the initiative, cows and buffaloes will be provided free of charge to rural women so that they can earn for their families. The chief minister launched the livestock project for rural women in Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur and Kot Addu.

She stated, "Destitute women of villages will get dignified employment by raising cows and buffaloes."

In addition, 80,000 cattle farmers of Punjab will be able to get interest-free loans worth Rs27,000 per animal on easy instalments. They will be able to buy food from registered dealers through the Livestock Cards.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said 400,000 animals would be reared for meat export under the project.

An animal identification and traceability system will be implemented for the livestock care.

"A helpline for the farmers is active besides an online registration facility. Farmers will also be provided services like free digging, insemination, Vanda and silage quality testing," the CM said.

She added vowed that everyone would be made a stakeholder in development.

"We cannot ignore women living in villages, prosperity is the right of everyone," she said. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "Increasing milk and meat production will not only meet local needs but also increase their exports."