MoU Signed for PKR 11 Billion Chief Minister Punjab’s Livestock Card Initiative
Lahore – In a landmark move to bolster Punjab’s livestock sector, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for the Chief Minister Punjab’s Livestock Card at the Bank of Punjab Head Office in Lahore. The initiative marks the beginning of a comprehensive registration process for the Livestock Card, aimed at supporting and uplifting the province’s livestock farmers. The signing ceremony was attended by Provincial Minister for Livestock and Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Parliamentary Secretary for Livestock Punjab Sardar Asim Makin, alongside other dignitaries.
The MoU was signed by Secretary Livestock Punjab, Saqib Ali Ateel, and President/CEO of The Bank of Punjab, Zafar Masud, formalizing their collaboration on this PKR 11 billion interest-free loan program dedicated to livestock farmers. During the ceremony, Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani emphasized the scheme’s potential, highlighting that it will benefit approximately 80,000 livestock farmers and prepare over 400,000 animals for a targeted fattening program. This initiative is anticipated not only to meet local meat demands but also to boost export opportunities.
“The Livestock Card is an interest-free loan program designed to empower livestock farmers with funds that can be repaid in equal installments over four months,” Kirmani explained. “Each animal is eligible for a loan of PKR 27,000, enabling farmers to access loans from PKR 135,000 up to PKR 270,000.” He further announced that from December 15, the Livestock Card would become active, allowing farmers to purchase essential supplies, including silage, feed, and mineral mixtures from registered dealers.
Minister Kirmani noted that prior administrations had overlooked the livestock sector; however, under the current Chief Minister’s leadership, the sector has been prioritized with an unprecedented PKR 20 billion allocation for its development. The program is specifically targeted at small-scale farmers managing herds of five to ten animals, offering them crucial support in areas such as tagging, vaccination, and insemination services.
As part of the scheme, livestock farmers with healthy animals will be linked with major exporters within Punjab, creating new revenue streams and market access for small-scale producers. Kirmani added that the Livestock Department is simultaneously working on compartmentalization, zonal research, and development initiatives to modernize the sector. The Chief Minister Punjab, he said, is committed to improving the welfare and growth of livestock farmers, driving prosperity for farmers and fostering overall provincial economic growth.
The event was also attended by Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Director General (Extension) Livestock, Dr. Sajjad Hussain, Director General (Research) Livestock, Asif Riaz, Group Chief Consumer Banking, and Nofel Daud, Chief Digital Officer of The Bank of Punjab, among other notable officials.
This Livestock Card initiative underscores a significant step towards revitalizing Punjab’s livestock sector, supporting small-scale farmers, and reinforcing the province’s commitment to sustainable agricultural growth.
