The Government of Punjab has achieved a major step under the Punjab meat export plan. It has set a target to export one million animals. This decision aims to boost the economy and strengthen the livestock sector.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a special meeting through video link. During the session, officials approved key measures to expand exports. As a result, the province will focus on large-scale livestock development.
Officials confirmed that authorities signed agreements with seven institutions. These include a Chinese company working in the meat sector. Therefore, international collaboration will support the Punjab meat export plan and improve production capacity.
According to the briefing, a Chinese global meat firm will install a boiler unit in Punjab. It will work in partnership with PAMCO. Through this system, companies will prepare boiled meat for export at a large scale. Consequently, export quality and efficiency will improve.
Moreover, companies will process meat from 300,000 animals ready for export. At the same time, authorities have set fattening targets. These include 300,000 buffaloes, cows, and another 300,000 sheep. In addition, the government plans to raise 100,000 goats and sheep for export.
To support farmers, the government will upgrade veterinary services. Each tehsil will get a modern veterinary hospital. Furthermore, four mobile veterinary dispensaries will operate in every tehsil. These units will visit villages and treat animals on-site. As a result, farmers will receive quick and easy support.
Meanwhile, the Punjab meat export plan also focuses on social welfare. The chief minister has doubled the quota for free livestock distribution to rural women. So far, authorities have provided 9,255 animals to widowed and divorced women in 12 districts of South Punjab.
In addition, officials will tag two million animals to track health and productivity. The government will also supply two million semen doses at subsidized rates. This step will improve breeding and increase livestock quality across farms.
Provincial Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani announced another major reform. For the first time, Punjab will introduce mechanization in livestock farming. The government will offer up to 60 percent subsidy on machinery. This includes milk chillers, mixers, weighing scales, and feed machines. Therefore, farmers can adopt modern methods easily.
Health conditions in livestock have also improved. Officials reported no cases of diseases like lumpy skin and hemorrhagic infections since 2022. Even after recent floods, no new cases appeared. In addition, locally produced vaccines are now available at a much lower cost.
While speaking in the meeting, Maryam Nawaz Sharif stressed the importance of this sector. She said past governments ignored livestock development. However, she believes livestock farming can drive economic independence.
Overall, the Punjab meat export plan shows a strong strategy. It combines exports, farmer support, and modernization. As a result, Punjab is moving toward a more productive and competitive livestock industry.
