Punjab eyes 1m livestock export

Chinese company to install boiler unit in collaboration with PAMCO

LAHORE:

Punjab is set to export one million livestock after MoUs have been signed with seven entities, including a Chinese global meat company, to boost the exports.

Under the agreements, the Chinese company will install a boiler unit in the province in collaboration with the Punjab Agriculture and Meat Company (PAMCO).

According to a statement, the facility will enable large-scale preparation of boiled meat for export. Companies will acquire meat from approximately 300,000 animals for export.

A target has been set for fattening 300,000 buffaloes and cattle, along with 300,000 sheep and rams, while 100,000 goats and sheep will be reared specifically for export.

Chairing a meeting, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also ordered the establishment of state-of-the-art veterinary hospitals in every tehsil.

Additionally, four mobile veterinary dispensaries will operate in each tehsil to provide treatment to livestock at the village level.

CM Maryam Nawaz approved several key decisions, including doubling the quota for providing free livestock to rural women. Participants of the meeting were given a detailed briefing by Livestock Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani about ongoing initiatives in the sector.

It was highlighted that, for the first time, mechanisation will be introduced in Punjab's livestock farming sector.

The provincial government will provide up to 60 per cent subsidy on livestock machinery, including milk chillers, mixing machines, can coolers, weighing scales, feed mixers and pilot machines.

In South Punjab, 9,255 animals have already been distributed free of charge among widows and divorced women across 12 districts.

To meet export targets, two million animals will be tagged, while two million doses will be provided on subsidy to enhance breeding.

The participants were informed that no case of the lumpy skin disease had been reported in livestock since 2022. Even after recent floods, no case of the disease emerged.

The imported vaccine for lumpy skin costs Rs300, whereas an effective locally produced vaccine is available for Rs30.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said neglect of the livestock sector in the past was deeply regrettable. She said livestock farming serves as a vital source of economic self-reliance.

Meanwhile, in her message on World Malaria Day, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the disease is dangerous but curable, emphasising that collective efforts are essential for its eradication. She stated that the Punjab government has taken special measures, including providing free testing facilities, to prevent malaria. She urged the public to adopt precautionary measures to help eliminate the disease.

The chief minister said the protection of every person in Punjab is the government's mission.