RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government is taking practical steps to develop the livestock sector, promote modern farming systems, value addition, processing, and increase meat exports.

This was expressed by Special Parliamentary Committee on Religious Affairs Malik Iftikhar while presiding over a consultative meeting on the development of the livestock sector.

On this occasion, Mr Iftikhar said that for the first time in Punjab, the budget of the Livestock Department has been increased from Rs5 billion to Rs40 billion so that this sector can be developed on modern lines.

The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary (Technical) Sheikh Usman Tahir, Director General (Extension) Dr Syed Nadeem Badar, Director General Production, Dr Kanwar Naeem, Director Livestock, Dr Naveed Sahar Zaidi, officials of the Livestock Department, owners of livestock farms and others. The MPA was also present.

President of the Central Traders Association Rawalpindi, Malik Muhammad Waqar, said that, along with providing interest-free loans to small farmers, dairy milk machines are also being provided so that their productivity can be increased and the rural economy can be strengthened.

He further said that the Punjab government is paying special attention to value addition, exports of dairy products and promotion of modern processing systems in the livestock sector so that the country’s economy can be further strengthened.

Briefing the meeting, Director General (Extension) Dr Syed Nadeem Badar said that work is underway in the province to expand the number of livestock from three lakh to six lakh livestock, while farmers have been directed to submit maximum applications in government livestock schemes so that they can get full benefit from the facilities.

He said that several schemes are being introduced for the livestock sector in the budget of the current fiscal year, which will directly benefit farmers.

Additional Secretary (Technical) Sheikh Usman Tahir said that historical funds of the past are being allocated for the livestock sector in Punjab, and the government is taking serious steps to adapt this sector to modern requirements.

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2026