The Government of Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has launched the CM Punjab Livestock Scheme 2025, a transformative initiative to empower rural communities and improve the agricultural economy. This scheme is designed to assist small-scale farmers and women in rural areas by offering free livestock, interest-free loans, and comprehensive support to help them improve their livelihoods.
Vision Behind the Livestock Scheme
Pakistan’s rural economy largely depends on agriculture and livestock. However, small farmers often struggle due to the high cost of feed, lack of veterinary care, and limited access to financial resources. The CM Punjab Livestock Scheme aims to overcome these problems by providing important financial and technical help, with a focus on low-income families and women, who are often forgotten in the process of economic growth.
Key Features of the Scheme
The scheme has two primary components:
1. Livestock Card—Interest-Free Loans
Through the Livestock Card, eligible farmers can access interest-free loans ranging from PKR 135,000 to PKR 540,000, depending on the number of animals they own. These funds are meant to cover expenses like purchasing animal feed, silage, vitamins, and mineral supplements.
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Loan Terms: The loan can be repaid over 4 to 6 months, with a grace period of 1 month.
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Digital Disbursement: The loan is provided through a digital card, ensuring transparent and secure transactions. Farmers in the Punjab region can use the card at approved grain sellers.
2. Free Livestock Distribution for Rural Women
Another major initiative under this scheme is the distribution of free livestock to deserving rural women. This move aims to empower women economically by making them self-reliant.
- Who is Eligible? The programme is open to women aged 20 to 40 years who reside in rural Punjab, with a particular focus on widows, single mothers, and those from low-income households.
- What Does the Programme Offer? Each selected woman receives a healthy dairy animal (cow or buffalo), along with PKR 10,000 per month for two years to cover feeding expenses.
- Training and Support: Women also receive training in animal care, feeding techniques, and basic veterinary knowledge.
- Eligibility Criteria
To ensure fairness and transparency, the government has defined clear eligibility requirements:
- Applicant must be a resident of Punjab.
- The applicant must possess between 5 and 20 livestock animals to be eligible for the loan scheme.
- A valid CNIC and mobile number registered in the applicant’s name are mandatory.
- Applicant should not be a defaulter in any government loan programme.
- Women applying for free livestock must demonstrate the capacity to manage and care for animals.
SMS Registration
Applicants can send an SMS with their CNIC number to 8070. Once the system verifies the details, the applicant will receive a confirmation message with the next steps.
In-Person Application
Alternatively, candidates can visit the nearest Livestock & Dairy Development Department office. Required documents include:
- CNIC copy
- Livestock ownership proof (if applying for a loan)
- Proof of residence
- Mobile number registration certificate
Women who are applying for free livestock can also register via the official mobile application launched for the programme.
Program Timeline
- Registration Period: May 15 – June 15, 2025
- Verification and Approval: June 20 – July 10, 2025
- Loan & Livestock Distribution Begins: From July 15, 2025
Long-Term Benefits
This scheme not only provides short-term financial relief but also aims to deliver long-term socio-economic benefits:
- Increase in Milk Production: Better-fed and healthy animals result in higher milk yields, improving nutrition and income for families.
- Women’s Empowerment: Financially empowering women strengthens household resilience and promotes gender equality.
- Job Creation: The increased demand for animal feed, healthcare, and training opens new employment opportunities in rural areas.
Transparency and Monitoring
To ensure the effectiveness and transparency of the scheme, the government has introduced a centralised tracking system. Every transaction, training session, and livestock handover is digitally recorded. Additionally, livestock health will be monitored through regular veterinary checkups.
Final Thoughts
The CM Punjab Livestock Scheme 2025 is a landmark step in modernising Pakistan’s rural economy and addressing deep-rooted issues faced by farmers and women. With a strong commitment to transparency, inclusion, and sustainability, this initiative is expected to transform thousands of lives across Punjab.
For more details or assistance, applicants can call the toll-free helpline 08000-9211 or visit the official website https://livestock.punjab.gov.pk.
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