Livestock-sharing model offers hope for struggling rural families

A centuries-old livestock-sharing system continues to provide a vital source of income for thousands of low-income families across South Punjab, offering an informal yet trusted model of partnership that benefits both investors and livestock rearers.

The community-based arrangement, commonly known as the livestock-sharing system, has been practiced for generations in rural areas without formal contracts or financial institutions. Under the model, an investor purchases a buffalo, cow or calf and entrusts it to a farmer who has the skills and time to rear the animal but lacks the financial means to own one.

The farmer is responsible for feeding, caring for and managing the animal. Once it is sold, the investor recovers the original investment, while the remaining profit is shared equally between both parties. In the case of milking animals, the farmer generally keeps the milk during the rearing period, providing an additional source of food and income for the household.

The system remains common in districts including Vehari, Khanewal, Layyah, Lodhran and Dera Ghazi Khan, where livestock serves as both an investment opportunity and a livelihood for landless and low-income families.

Muhammad Ramzan, a farmer who also works at a traditional tandoor, said he had been raising livestock under the arrangement for several years.

Speaking to APP, he said an investor purchased a buffalo for around Rs100,000 and entrusted it to him. After proper care and feeding, the animal was later sold for Rs700,000.

"The investor recovered the original investment, and the remaining profit was shared equally. My share was around Rs300,000," he said.

Ramzan said the income would help him meet household expenses and pay for his daughter's wedding. He added that many women in his village also rear livestock under the same arrangement, allowing them to contribute to household incomes without leaving their homes.

For many rural families, livestock has become a form of savings that can be sold to finance children's education, medical treatment, weddings and other emergencies.

The system has also attracted investors from outside the farming community. People from different professions, including teachers, drivers and traders, are increasingly investing their savings in livestock as an alternative source of income.

School teacher Abdul Ghafoor said he had invested in animals being reared by several farmers.

"My role is to provide the investment, while the farmers contribute their labour, experience and daily care. When the animals are sold, both sides receive their agreed share," he said.

He added that he also provides financial assistance when needed to ensure proper feeding and veterinary care for the animals.

Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Jamshaid Akhtar said the livestock sector remained one of the strongest contributors to the rural economy, providing employment and income opportunities for thousands of families.

He confirmed that livestock-sharing arrangements were widely practised across South Punjab and had strengthened cooperation between investors and livestock keepers.