By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Livestock and Dairy Development Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani on Tuesday said that the Herd Transformation Program, launched under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is a major initiative aimed at improving farmers’ livelihoods and strengthening the livestock sector.
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He was chairing a meeting to review ongoing development schemes of the Livestock Department and proposed projects for the next financial year. Secretary Livestock Ahmed Aziz Tarar, director generals and senior officers of the department were present.
During the meeting, representatives of the Bank of Punjab briefed the minister on the progress of the Chief Minister Punjab Livestock Card. The minister directed that procedures for interest-free loans be further simplified and that additional facilities should be introduced in the next financial year to facilitate small farmers.
The meeting also reviewed progress on key initiatives, including distribution of livestock assets among poor rural women in South Punjab, provision of ultrasound machines at the tehsil level, establishment of operation theaters and X-ray facilities at the district level, and implementation of the Chief Minister Punjab Internship Program. The minister expressed satisfaction over the overall performance of these projects.
Officials briefed the meeting on genetic improvement initiatives being implemented under the Herd Transformation Program. Emphasizing their importance, the minister directed that the availability of high-quality foreign breed semen must be ensured and instructed for the early provision of Brahman breed semen to livestock farmers.
Secretary Livestock Ahmed Aziz Tarar informed the meeting that ten development projects are being completed within the current financial year to ensure early benefits for farmers. The minister instructed officials to further improve monitoring and performance of all development schemes and stressed that programs for the financial year 2026-27 should be aligned with modern standards to modernize the livestock industry and enhance farmers’ prosperity.
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