Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Launches Livestock Card for Rural Women Empowerment
CM Livestock Card to Empower Rural Women and Boost Local Economy
LAHORE – In a significant step towards empowering rural women, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the CM Livestock Card, as part of a Rs2 billion initiative aimed at providing economic independence and dignified employment opportunities for women in the province.
The groundbreaking initiative targets 11,000 rural women across 12 districts, offering them the chance to improve their livelihoods by receiving free cows and buffaloes for rearing. The project has been launched in several key districts, including Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan, as well as in villages in Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Kot Adu.
Through the CM Livestock Card, 80,000 livestock farmers will be able to access interest-free loans of PKR 27,000 per animal, allowing them to purchase necessary supplies such as feed, mineral mixtures, and silage from registered dealers across the province. The card also provides the option to pay for these products in equal installments over four months.
In addition to the financial assistance, the program aims to help prepare 400,000 animals for meat export, contributing to the economy and boosting local production. To ensure the health and well-being of the animals, the Punjab government has implemented the Animal Identity Traceability System, which is complemented by free deworming, insemination services, and feed and silage quality testing. A dedicated helpline and online registration services are also available to assist farmers.
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In her address, Maryam Nawaz Sharif highlighted that the initiative marks the beginning of a new chapter for rural women in Punjab. She emphasized that the government is committed to supporting livestock farmers and enhancing milk and meat production, not only to meet local demand but also to strengthen exports.
The CM Livestock Card initiative is expected to significantly uplift the lives of rural women, offering them a pathway to economic independence and contributing to the growth of the local economy.
