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On the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Chief Minister Punjab’s Livestock Card, an important step was taken in the registration process aimed at benefiting the livestock sector in Punjab. This ceremony was held at the Bank of Punjab Head Office in Lahore, marking the official launch of the registration process. The event was attended by key officials, including the Provincial Minister for Livestock and Agriculture, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Parliamentary Secretary for Livestock Punjab, Sardar Asim Makin, and Bank of Punjab President/CEO, Zafar Masud.
The signing of the MoU signifies a major initiative by the provincial government to support livestock farmers in Punjab, offering them substantial financial aid and resources to improve the growth and welfare of the livestock sector.
Details of the Livestock Card Scheme.
How to Get Your Livestock Card
Obtaining the Livestock Card is a straightforward process aimed at helping small livestock farmers access interest-free loans and support for improving the productivity of their livestock. Here’s how you can get your Livestock Card:
1. Eligibility Check
Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the Livestock Card:
- You must be a livestock farmer with between 5 to 10 animals.
- The scheme is targeted primarily at small farmers in Punjab, with priority given to those who are working in the livestock sector to improve meat production and animal health.
2. Prepare Your Documents
To apply for the Livestock Card, you need to gather the following documents:
- Online Application Form: Fill out the application form available through the Bank of Punjab’s portal.
- Motivation Letter: A brief letter explaining why you need the card and how it will help your farming operations.
- Proof of Identification: A copy of your national identity card.
- Proof of Livestock: Documentation that verifies you are actively involved in livestock farming.
- School Certificates and Transcripts: These may be required depending on the specific application process for farmers.
3. Submit Your Application
Once you have your documents ready, you can submit your application in the following ways:
- Submit online via the official application portal hosted by the Bank of Punjab: Livestock Card Application Portal.
- Contact Sending Partner: Ensure that your application is also submitted to the relevant authority in your area or local government office that works in collaboration with the Punjab Livestock Department.
4. Wait for Approval
After your application is submitted, the Livestock Department will review the details provided and verify the eligibility criteria. The department will then approve applications and ensure the loans are distributed accordingly.
5. Loan Disbursement
Upon approval, you will be granted access to the interest-free loan for your livestock. The loan will be provided in four equal installments over a 4-month period. The funds can be used to purchase silage, feed, and mineral mixtures from registered dealers.
6. Using the Livestock Card
Once your Livestock Card is activated, you can use it starting from December 15 for purchases related to your livestock needs. The card is valid for buying necessary resources to improve the health and productivity of your animals.
7. Utilize Additional Services
As part of the scheme, the Livestock Department will also provide essential services such as:
- Tagging of animals for better management.
- Vaccination to ensure the health of the livestock.
- Insemination services for breeding better quality animals.
By following these steps, farmers can obtain their Livestock Card and benefit from the financial support and services provided by the Punjab government to improve the productivity and welfare of their livestock.
Objective of the Livestock Card
The Livestock Card is an interest-free loan program introduced by the government of Punjab to empower livestock farmers. The program is a step toward improving the farming practices and economic conditions of small farmers engaged in the livestock sector.
- Total Financial Allocation: PKR 11 billion
- Targeted Beneficiaries: 80,000 livestock farmers
- Number of Animals in Focus: 400,000 animals are set to be prepared under the fattening program
- Primary Aim: Fulfill local meat demand and support exports
This scheme is set to offer financial assistance in the form of interest-free loans to farmers in the livestock sector, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to care for their animals and grow their business.
Loan Details and Structure
The scheme’s loan structure is designed to support the livestock farmers in a sustainable manner. Here’s a breakdown of the key loan details:
| Loan Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Loan Amount per Animal | PKR 27,000 |
| Total Loan Range | PKR 135,000 to PKR 270,000 |
| Loan Period | 4 months (with equal installments) |
| Purpose | Fattening program for livestock, purchase of feed, silage, and mineral mixtures |
| Loan Interest | Interest-free |
From December 15, the Livestock Card will be active for purchases, enabling farmers to buy silage, feed, and mineral mixtures from registered dealers. This step will help farmers meet the nutritional needs of their animals and improve the overall health and productivity of their livestock.
Livestock Support Services for Farmers
Livestock Department’s Role
The Livestock Department plays a critical role in ensuring the success of this program by offering a range of essential services to livestock farmers. These services include:
- Tagging: Ensuring proper identification and tracking of livestock.
- Vaccination: Providing vaccines to prevent diseases and improve the health of animals.
- Insemination Services: Assisting with breeding programs to enhance the quality of livestock.
These initiatives are aimed at improving livestock health and productivity, which will contribute to the economic growth of the sector. Additionally, farmers with healthy animals will be connected to major exporters in the province, expanding their market access and improving their income prospects.
Long-term Vision for the Livestock Sector
The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab, is dedicated to the long-term growth of the livestock sector. The development of this sector has been historically neglected, but with the allocation of PKR 20 billion for the first time in Punjab’s history, the government is showing its commitment to revitalizing the industry.
This initiative is particularly aimed at small farmers with 5 to 10 animals, who often struggle to access resources and financial support. By prioritizing their welfare, the Punjab government seeks to uplift small livestock farmers and contribute to the overall development of the province.
پنجاب کے وزیر اعلیٰ کا لائیوسٹاک کارڈ اسکیم کا آغاز
پنجاب حکومت نے اپنے وزیر اعلیٰ کی ہدایات پر لائیوسٹاک کارڈ اسکیم کا آغاز کر دیا ہے، جس کا مقصد کسانوں کو بغیر سود کے قرضے فراہم کرنا ہے۔ اس اسکیم کے تحت 80,000 لائیوسٹاک کسانوں کو مالی مدد دی جائے گی اور 400,000 جانوروں کو فٹیننگ پروگرام کے ذریعے تیار کیا جائے گا۔ اس قرضے کا مقصد مقامی گوشت کی طلب کو پورا کرنا اور برآمدات میں اضافہ کرنا ہے۔
اس اسکیم میں کسانوں کو 27,000 روپے فی جانور قرض دیا جائے گا، اور 4 ماہ کی قسطوں میں سود کے بغیر قرض واپس کیا جائے گا۔ کسان اس قرضے کو کھاد، چارہ، اور معدنی مرکب خریدنے کے لئے استعمال کرسکتے ہیں۔ اس اسکیم سے پنجاب کے چھوٹے کسانوں کو فائدہ پہنچے گا جن کے پاس 5 سے 10 جانور ہیں۔
حکومت نے لائیوسٹاک کے شعبے کی ترقی کے لیے 20 ارب روپے مختص کیے ہیں، جو اس شعبے کو مزید بہتر بنانے کے لیے ایک سنگ میل ہے۔ کسانوں کو جانوروں کی صحت کے لیے ویکسین، ٹگنگ، اور اصلاحی خدمات بھی فراہم کی جائیں گی۔
Key Takeaways from the Ceremony
Prominent Attendees
Several prominent officials attended the MoU signing ceremony, emphasizing the importance of the Livestock Card scheme. These included:
- Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Provincial Minister for Livestock and Agriculture
- Sardar Asim Makin, Parliamentary Secretary for Livestock Punjab
- Saqib Ali Ateel, Secretary Livestock Punjab
- Zafar Masud, President/CEO, Bank of Punjab
These key figures were instrumental in the creation and planning of the Livestock Card initiative, marking a significant milestone in the development of Punjab’s livestock sector.
Future Prospects
The Livestock Card scheme is poised to make a significant impact on Punjab’s agricultural economy. By providing small farmers with access to financial resources and technical services, this program not only supports the growth of livestock farming but also contributes to food security and the export potential of Punjab.
With the vision of Chief Minister Punjab and the coordinated efforts of the Livestock Department and Bank of Punjab, this initiative is expected to thrive and pave the way for future agricultural advancements in the region.
Conclusion
The Livestock Card scheme represents a transformational initiative aimed at improving the livestock sector in Punjab. With the government’s support through interest-free loans, tagging, vaccination, and insemination services, small farmers will be equipped with the tools they need to succeed. Furthermore, the scheme’s long-term vision will ensure that Punjab’s livestock sector becomes more sustainable and profitable.
By aligning government resources and partnerships, this program is set to make a lasting impact on the economic welfare of the province’s farmers and contribute to the growth of Punjab’s agricultural industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Livestock Card Scheme
1. What is the Livestock Card Scheme?
The Livestock Card Scheme is a government initiative that offers interest-free loans to livestock farmers in Punjab. The program aims to support farmers by providing financial assistance to enhance the productivity and health of their animals, as well as to fulfill local meat demands and support exports.
2. Who can apply for the Livestock Card?
The Livestock Card is available to small livestock farmers in Punjab, particularly those who have 5 to 10 animals. This scheme is designed to assist 80,000 farmers in improving their farming practices and achieving better economic outcomes.
3. What is the total financial support offered through the Livestock Card?
The Livestock Card Scheme offers a total financial allocation of PKR 11 billion for interest-free loans. The loan amount per animal is PKR 27,000, and farmers can receive loans ranging from PKR 135,000 to PKR 270,000, depending on the number of animals they own.
4. How will the loan be disbursed?
The loan will be provided in equal installments over a 4-month period. The amount is to be used for purposes such as fattening of livestock, purchasing silage, feed, and mineral mixtures from registered dealers.
5. How can I apply for the Livestock Card?
To apply for the Livestock Card, farmers must:
- Prepare documents such as an online application form, proof of language proficiency, school certificates, and identification documents.
- Submit the application through the official portal of the Bank of Punjab and ensure it is submitted to the relevant local authorities in Punjab.
6. When can farmers start using the Livestock Card?
The Livestock Card will be active for purchases from December 15, enabling farmers to buy silage, feed, and mineral mixtures from registered dealers.
7. What services are provided by the Livestock Department?
The Livestock Department will provide various essential services, including:
- Tagging: To track and identify animals.
- Vaccination: To ensure animals are protected from diseases.
- Insemination Services: To assist in breeding and improving livestock quality.
These services are aimed at improving livestock health and production.
8. How will this scheme benefit small livestock farmers?
The Livestock Card will provide interest-free loans to small farmers with 5 to 10 animals, helping them access financial resources that were previously difficult to obtain. This will enable them to improve their livestock and enhance their productivity. Additionally, farmers with healthy animals will be linked to major exporters in Punjab.
9. What is the long-term vision of the Punjab government for the livestock sector?
The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab, has prioritized the livestock sector by allocating PKR 20 billion for its development. The Livestock Card scheme is part of this broader effort to revitalize the sector, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and contribute to Punjab’s economic prosperity.
10. What happens after I receive the loan through the Livestock Card?
Once you receive the loan, you can use the funds for:
- Fattening livestock as part of the government’s fattening program.
- Purchasing feed, silage, and mineral mixtures to improve the health of your animals. The loan repayment will occur in 4 equal installments over a 4-month period, without any interest.
11. How does this initiative contribute to Punjab’s economy?
The Livestock Card scheme supports the growth of the livestock sector, which is a significant part of Punjab’s agricultural economy. By helping farmers improve the health and productivity of their animals, the program will not only boost meat production for local consumption but also support the export market. This will create economic opportunities for farmers and contribute to the overall economic development of Punjab.
12. Who are the key stakeholders involved in the scheme?
The Livestock Card initiative is managed by the Punjab Livestock Department, with significant involvement from the Bank of Punjab. Key officials like Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Saqib Ali Ateel, and Zafar Masud are actively involved in the implementation of this scheme.
13. What is the deadline for application submission?
The Livestock Card registration process begins with applications opening in November 2024. Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2025. It is important to ensure that all necessary documents are provided before the deadline.
14. How will this scheme improve the livelihoods of farmers?
By providing interest-free loans, access to veterinary services, and support for purchasing necessary resources, the Livestock Card Scheme will directly improve the livelihoods of farmers. The scheme helps increase the productivity of their livestock while ensuring their animals stay healthy and well-nourished.
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