CM eyes Punjab as regional livestock hub

LAHORE:

Punjab's livestock sector has recorded a 43 per cent increase in exports, with 400,000 animals prepared for export in a year and farmers expected to earn Rs11 billion.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the government aimed to connect Punjab's livestock farmers with national exporters and international websites to expand their access to markets and establish the province as a regional livestock hub.

Under a Livestock Card scheme, farmers are receiving Rs27,000 per animal to meet feed and fodder expenses.

A total of 129,581 animals reared under the scheme have been exported.

According to a statement, the government plans to establish five meat-processing plants and as many slaughterhouses, alongside packing facilities and commercial and corporate feedlots. It will provide Rs19 billion in financing subsidies for integrated livestock value-chain investments, while private investment of Rs65b is expected in the meat value chain.

Punjab will also establish its first FMD vaccine production unit under a public-private partnership, with private investment of Rs28 billion.

The district-wise export figures include 20,000 animals from Lahore, 24,297 from Bahawalpur, 12,529 from Faisalabad, 21,000 from Gujranwala and Gujrat, 27,000 from Multan, 22,000 from Sargodha and 2,661 from Sahiwal.

Under the Livestock Connect system, the government has established direct links with 1,725 fattening farms, 20 export slaughterhouses, 88 meat exporters and 34 traders.

The number of rural women farmers registered under the Livestock Card scheme has also increased.