Punjab's livestock exports jump 43% as farmers expect to earn Rs11 billion
About 400,000 animals were prepared for export in a year. The province plans new slaughterhouses, meat-processing plants and its first FMD vaccine unit.
At a glance
- Punjab says animal exports rose 43%, with about 400,000 animals prepared for export over one year.
- Rural livestock farmers are expected to earn Rs11 billion.
- 129,581 animals raised under the Livestock Card scheme, which gives farmers Rs27,000 per animal for feed, have been exported.
- Plans include five meat-processing plants, five modern slaughterhouses and a Rs28 billion FMD vaccine unit.
Livestock exports from Punjab have risen sharply, according to the provincial government. A government handout said animal exports grew 43%, with about 400,000 animals prepared for export over the past year, and rural farmers are expected to earn around Rs11 billion.
Livestock Card animals go abroad
Of those exports, 129,581 animals were raised under the Livestock Card scheme launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, which gives farmers Rs27,000 per animal for feed and fodder. The number of rural women registered under the scheme has grown from 90 to 1,107.
A "Livestock Connect" system now links 1,725 fattening farms with 20 export slaughterhouses, 88 meat exporters and 34 meat traders. The province says it wants to support exports to China, Europe and the United States.
Tackling foot-and-mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has long held back Pakistan's meat exports to premium markets. Punjab has notified eight disease-free FMD compartments and plans seven more this year. Its first FMD vaccine production unit is planned as a public-private partnership with Rs28 billion in private investment.
Building the value chain
The government plans five meat-processing plants, five modern slaughterhouses, meat-packing facilities, and commercial and corporate feedlots. It is offering Rs19 billion in financing subsidies for livestock value-chain investments and expects Rs65 billion in private investment in the meat sector.
The chief minister said the aim is to give farmers direct access to national exporters and international online markets.
The figures come from a government statement and have not been independently verified. Agriculture was one of the stronger parts of Pakistan's economy last year: revised data released on the same day show agricultural growth of 3.5% in 2025-26.
Questions people are asking
What is Punjab's Livestock Card scheme?
A provincial programme launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif that gives farmers Rs27,000 per animal to help pay for feed and fodder.
Why does foot-and-mouth disease matter for exports?
Many importing countries restrict meat from areas affected by FMD. Disease-free zones, or 'compartments', and vaccination help Pakistan access higher-value markets.
How we verified this story
GlobeHourly wrote this report in its own words after checking the facts against 3 independent sources: official statements, wire agencies and established news outlets. Read our standards.
