TAXILA: Punjab Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Dairy Development Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani has launched the ‘Transforming Punjab Agriculture Programme’ at a cost of Rs400 billion which, he said, would usher in a new erafor agricultural development in the province.

Speaking during his visit to Barani Livestock Production Research Institute Kheri Murat near Fatehjang on Saturday, Mr Kirmani said 60pc of the agriculture depended on livestock sector and keeping this in view, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved several programmes for the development of the livestock sector.

Director General Production Dr Asif Rafiq, Director Kheri Murt Research Institute Dr Murtaza Ali Tipu, Director Livestock Rawalpindi Dr Naveed Shah and Additional Director Livestock Attock district Dr Abdul Hameed were also present.

The provincial minister also visited Barani Livestock Production Research Institute and Para-Vet Training Institute.

He said the government would provide loans on easy installments to 40,000 farmers in the rural areas of Punjab for dairy farming through livestock cards.

He said the chief minister had also approved disease control and traceability programmes under which 1.2 million animals and 150,000 livestock farmers would benefit, adding that the government wanted to increase production of milk and meat to increase exports.

Giving a briefing, Additional Director Livestock Attock district Dr Abdul Hameed said all resources were being utilised for the development of livestock in the research institute.

Besides, a two-year diploma is also being conducted in the Para-vet Training Institute Kheri Murt.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2024