Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the second phase of the provincial government’s free livestock distribution programme, which will provide free cows and buffaloes to thousands of additional rural women.
The initiative aims to help women achieve financial independence, reduce poverty, and boost milk production in rural communities. The chief minister has directed the Livestock and Dairy Development Department to complete preparations for the programme’s second phase.
Free Livestock Scheme Phase 2: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Approved by | Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz |
| Beneficiaries | Thousands of additional rural women |
| What is provided | Free cows and buffaloes |
| Objective | Financial independence, poverty reduction, higher milk production |
| Phase 1 value | Rs 2 billion for 11,000 women in 12 South Punjab districts |
| Phase 1 animals | 4,870 cows and buffaloes distributed |
| Eligibility focus | Widows and divorced women given priority |
What the First Phase Achieved
In the first phase, the Punjab government launched a Rs 2 billion scheme to distribute free livestock among 11,000 deserving women across 12 districts of South Punjab. The initial target was to distribute 4,870 animals.
Widows and divorced women were given priority under the scheme to help them generate a regular income through livestock farming and meet their families’ needs. Eligible women were selected through an e-balloting system managed by the Punjab Information Technology Board to ensure transparency.
How the Scheme Helps Rural Women
Cows and buffaloes provide milk for household use and sale, giving women a sustainable source of income. The programme aims to help women establish their own sources of income instead of depending entirely on other family members for financial support.
The Punjab government has devised a plan to reduce poverty and boost milk production by engaging rural women in economic activities. Under the second phase, the government plans to extend the initiative to thousands more women.
Livestock Card Phase 2 Also Launched
In a related development, the chief minister has also launched the second phase of the Livestock Card programme, announcing Rs 16.2 billion in interest-free loans to support livestock farmers across the province. Eligible farmers will receive interest-free loans of Rs 27,000 per animal, with 25% withdrawable in cash through ATMs.
Officials informed the chief minister that the recovery rate for loans issued under the first phase of the Livestock Card programme had reached 96%.
FAQs About the Free Livestock Scheme
Who approved the second phase of the free livestock scheme?
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the second phase of the free livestock distribution programme for rural women.
What will beneficiaries receive?
Thousands of additional rural women will receive free cows and buffaloes to help them earn a living.
What did the first phase cover?
A Rs 2 billion scheme distributed 4,870 cows and buffaloes among 11,000 deserving women across 12 districts of South Punjab, with widows and divorced women given priority.
What is the Livestock Card scheme?
It provides interest-free loans of Rs 27,000 per animal to livestock farmers; the second phase carries Rs 16.2 billion in loans with a 96% first-phase recovery rate.
Which department will run the programme?
The Livestock and Dairy Development Department has been directed to finalise preparations for the second phase.
What is the objective of the scheme?
To help rural women achieve financial independence, reduce poverty, and boost milk production in rural communities.
Final Thoughts
The second phase of the free livestock scheme extends a proven model — Phase 1 reached 11,000 women through transparent e-balloting. Thousands more rural women can now expect a path to steady income through dairy farming.
For more Punjab updates, also read our article on Punjab Bans Several Items in Schools, Colleges and Universities.