Punjab has recorded a 43 percent increase in animal exports, with 400,000 animals prepared for export over a year and rural livestock farmers expected to earn Rs. 11 billion, according to a government handout.
The statement said 129,581 animals raised under the Livestock Card scheme have been exported. Launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the scheme provides farmers with Rs. 27,000 per animal for feed and fodder expenses.
To support exports to China, Europe and the United States, the provincial government has notified eight Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) compartments and plans to establish seven more this year.
The government also plans to set up five meat-processing plants and five modern slaughterhouses, alongside meat-packing facilities and commercial and corporate feedlots.
It will offer Rs. 19 billion in financing subsidies for integrated livestock value-chain investments. Private investment of Rs. 65 billion is expected in the meat value chain.
Punjab’s first FMD vaccine production unit is also planned under a public-private partnership, with private investment of Rs. 28 billion.
Through the Livestock Connect system, authorities have linked 1,725 fattening farms with 20 export slaughterhouses, 88 meat exporters and 34 meat traders.
Meanwhile, the number of rural women farmers registered under the Livestock Card scheme has risen from 90 to 1,107.
The chief minister said the government aimed to improve farmers’ access to national exporters and international online markets.
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