Punjab strengthens livestock sector with modern technology and farmer support

Lahore: Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department is prioritizing the rapid growth of the livestock sector by providing farmers with modern technology and all necessary facilities. Provincial Minister for Livestock and Agriculture Syed Asiq Hussain Kirmani emphasized that supporting livestock farmers, including women, is a key focus of the government. During his visit to the Livestock Department Head Office, the minister reviewed ongoing projects and development schemes. Current projects include FMD control programs, internship programs, herd transformation (Phase I), veterinary research upgrades, digitization of the department, and restoration of Tollinton Market. New initiatives include mobile veterinary dispensaries, upgradation of tehsil-level veterinary hospitals, Livestock Card (Phase II), rural women support in southern Punjab, dairy supply chain projects, LPRI Okara upgradation, farmer training programs, and modernization of the Livestock Information System. The Livestock Card program has already benefited 28,906 farmers with loans worth Rs 5.44 billion, showing a recovery rate of 91.38%. Kirmani highlighted efforts to improve animal health, vaccination, artificial insemination, genetic improvement, nutrition, and milk and meat production. He instructed that all programs be implemented efficiently to maximize relief for farmers and boost sector productivity.