Punjab is expanding its livestock export sector through farmer financing, disease-control facilities and planned investments in meat processing, with 400,000 animals prepared for export annually, according to a provincial livestock official.

Punjab Livestock Exports Rise 43 Per Cent

Punjab Plans Seven More FMD Compartments to Expand Animal Exports

By News Desk On Oct 21, 2026

SARGODHA: (Finance Reporter) – Punjab’s livestock sector is witnessing growth, with animal exports increasing by 43 per cent and around 400,000 animals being prepared for export annually, Additional Director Livestock Sargodha Region Dr Naila Maqsood said on Tuesday.

She said the provincial government was working to strengthen the livestock sector by improving facilities for farmers and creating a supportive environment for livestock businesses. The export initiative is expected to generate Rs11 billion in earnings for rural livestock farmers.

Dr Naila attributed the progress to the Punjab Livestock Card Scheme, under which eligible farmers receive Rs27,000 per animal to cover feed and fodder expenses. She said 129,581 animals raised under the scheme had been exported.

The government has also notified eight Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) compartments and plans to establish seven more during the current year. One of the proposed compartments will be set up in Sargodha to help facilitate exports to markets in China, Europe and the United States.

Dr Naila said the provincial government was planning to establish five meat-processing plants and five modern slaughterhouses, alongside meat-packing facilities and commercial and corporate feedlots to improve meat production and processing capacity.

She added that Rs19 billion in financing subsidies would be provided to support integrated investment across the livestock value chain, while private investment worth Rs65 billion was expected in the meat sector.

Punjab is also planning to establish its first Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine production unit through a public-private partnership, involving an anticipated private investment of Rs28 billion.

Giving district-wise export figures, Dr Naila said Lahore had exported 20,000 animals, Bahawalpur 24,297, Faisalabad 12,529, Gujranwala and Gujrat 21,000, Multan 27,000, Sargodha 22,000 and Sahiwal 2,661.

Under the Livestock Connect system, the government has established direct links with 1,725 fattening farms, 20 export slaughterhouses, 88 meat exporters and 34 meat traders, she said.

Dr Naila further reported a significant increase in the participation of rural women in the Livestock Card Scheme, with registrations rising from 90 to 1,107. The initiative aims to improve farmers’ access to financial support and strengthen rural livelihoods through livestock development.