Punjab Rolls Out Second Phase of Livestock Card Scheme With Rs16.2 Billion Financing
LAHORE, October 14, 2026: The Punjab government has launched the second phase of its Livestock Card programme, introducing Rs16.2 billion in interest-free financing to help farmers improve animal health, increase meat production and expand export opportunities.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the new phase through a digital transaction using a Livestock Card. The launch follows the first phase, which recorded a 96 per cent loan recovery rate, according to an official briefing.
Provincial Livestock Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Secretary Livestock Ahmad Aziz Tarrar briefed the chief minister on the programme’s performance and future objectives.
Under Phase II, eligible farmers will receive financing of Rs27,000 per animal to purchase essential supplies, including wanda (animal feed), silage and mineral mixtures. The loans will be interest-free, with farmers responsible for repaying the principal and the provincial government covering the interest.
Government Targets 600,000 Animals
The new phase aims to improve the balanced nutrition of 600,000 animals over the next two years to increase meat production and strengthen the livestock industry.
The programme also provides for free animal tagging and vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Farmers will be permitted to withdraw up to 25 per cent of their interest-free loan amount in cash through ATMs.
Official figures show that 23,312 Livestock Cards have been prepared across Punjab, while 1,739 farmers have completed more than 70,000 transactions.
Farmers have spent Rs892.6 million on animal feed, Rs87 million on silage and Rs20 million on mineral mixtures under the scheme.
Livestock Portal Connects Farmers With Exporters
The provincial government is also working to strengthen links between livestock farmers and international buyers. The Livestock Connect portal has connected 23,000 farmers directly with meat exporters, according to the briefing.
The government has signed memoranda of understanding with eight major exporters to support the expansion of meat exports. Through the Punjab Agriculture and Meat Company (PAMCO), agreements have also been signed to facilitate access to markets in China, Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Europe.
The briefing reported a 43 per cent increase in animal exports from Punjab and a $96 million rise in meat exports over one year following initiatives linked to the programme.
More Women Join Livestock Farming Programme
Women’s participation has also grown, with the number of registered women livestock farmers increasing from 90 to 1,107 under the Livestock Card scheme.
The Punjab government says the initiative is intended to improve access to livestock inputs, support farmers financially and enhance the province’s capacity to produce and export meat.
Farmers interested in the programme can register through the government’s online portal. A round-the-clock helpline, 0800-09211, has also been established to provide information and assistance to applicants.