Punjab Set to Distribute 11,000 heifers to Women, Distributes 13,451 Livestock Cards, Tags 77,627 Calves

A total of 13,451 livestock farmers have received their livestock cards, while 77,627 male calves owned by 10,990 farmers have been tagged and approved for loans under the Pakistan Animal Identification & Traceability System (PAITS). This development was announced during a meeting at the Livestock Department, chaired by Provincial Minister for Livestock and Agriculture, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, while the Secretary of Livestock in Punjab, Saqib Ali Ateel, was also present at the meeting.

Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Provincial Minister for Livestock and Agriculture
Photo Credit: Business Recorder

At the meeting, officials reviewed progress on several key initiatives, including the Chief Minister Punjab Livestock Card project, the distribution of livestock assets to rural widows and divorced women in South Punjab, and strategies to control foot-and-mouth disease among animals. 

As part of the women empowerment initiative in South Punjab, the minister announced that 11,000 heifers would be distributed over two years among rural women aged up to 55 years across 12 districts. Already, 2,041 animals have been provided to widows and divorced women in Bahawalnagar, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, and Rajanpur, alongside bank cards issued by the Bank of Punjab.

Emphasizing efficiency, Kirmani warned that delays in the delivery of livestock cards would not be tolerated. He instructed division directors to personally visit livestock card distribution centers daily and ensure that farmers awaiting their cards are promptly contacted.

The meeting brought together key officials, including Special Secretary Livestock South Punjab Asfar, Additional Secretary Livestock Usman Tahir, and Directors General of Extension, Production, and Research (Livestock). Representatives from the Bank of Punjab, Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), and the Urban Unit also participated in discussions to further streamline operations.

With these initiatives, the Punjab government aims to empower livestock farmers, support rural women, and strengthen disease control efforts, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth in the livestock sector.