Punjab Govt gapproves Rs35bn for livestock sector development

Member of the National Assembly Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar has said that the initiatives introduced under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the development of the livestock sector and the prosperity of farmers are a promising sign for a brighter future

BAHAWALPUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2026) Member of the National Assembly Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar has said that the initiatives introduced under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the development of the livestock sector and the prosperity of farmers are a promising sign for a brighter future.

He expressed these views while addressing a seminar held in Bahawalpur on the improvement and modernisation of the livestock sector. He stated that the Punjab government has approved development schemes worth Rs35 billion for the growth of the livestock industry, focusing on modern farming techniques and improved animal care systems.

The seminar was attended by Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab Fuad Hashim Rabbani, Special Secretary Livestock South Punjab Asad Naeem, Additional Secretary (Technical) Livestock Punjab Dr. Usman Tahir, Deputy Secretary (Technical) Livestock South Punjab Dr. Sohail Azmat, Director General Extension Lahore Dr. Syed Nadeem Badr, Director General Production Lahore Dr. Kanwar Naeem, Member Provincial Assembly Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood Jajja, and a large number of progressive farmers.

Addressing the seminar, Additional Secretary (Technical) Livestock Punjab Dr. Usman Tahir said that the Punjab government is actively working to modernize the livestock sector with the aim of increasing farmers’ incomes and strengthening the industry on modern lines. He said farmers are being encouraged toward value addition so they can produce value-added dairy and meat products to earn greater profits. Complete technical guidance is also being provided in this regard.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Bank of Punjab, easy loans at subsidized interest rates ranging from 3 to 5 percent will be provided for the purchase of modern dairy and meat processing machinery.

On the occasion, Director General (Extension) Livestock Punjab Dr. Syed Nadeem Badr said that the Livestock Department is providing farmers with guidance on modern farming methods and improved animal care to help increase productivity. He added that the government has also decided to promote modern slaughterhouses, boneless meat processing, grading, and processing systems to improve the meat sector and enhance exports. He further stated that the Punjab government is providing facilities at the tehsil level including ultrasound machines, portable X-ray machines, four mobile dispensaries equipped with laboratory and treatment facilities, and modern veterinary hospitals.

Director General (Production) Dr. Kanwar Naeem, while addressing participants, said that special policies and facilities are being introduced to resolve issues faced by meat exporters and beef farmers in order to further strengthen the meat value chain. He stressed that adopting modern technology in line with international standards is essential for Pakistan to improve production and secure a stronger position in the global market. Progressive livestock farmers appreciated the Punjab government’s efforts and expressed hope that these initiatives would not only improve the livelihoods of farmers but also contribute significantly to the economic development of Punjab and Pakistan.