Free Cows and Buffaloes for Rural Women in Punjab 2025 – Empowering Livelihoods with the Livestock Program

The Government of Punjab has launched a life-changing initiative for rural women — the Livestock Distribution Program 2025. This program, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aims to empower low-income women by giving them free milk-producing cows and buffaloes, turning them into self-reliant earners rather than aid recipients.

This initiative is part of Punjab’s broader vision to strengthen rural development, promote women’s empowerment, and modernize the livestock sector — a vital part of the province’s economy.

Purpose of the Program

The main goal of the Livestock Distribution Program 2025 is to turn welfare support into sustainable income. Instead of one-time cash assistance, the government is providing productive assets that can generate long-term benefits.

A cow or buffalo is more than just an animal — it’s a source of steady income. Women can sell milk daily, raise calves, and even expand their herd over time. This approach helps build self-sufficiency and financial stability, especially for widows and women enrolled in welfare schemes like BISP and Ehsaas Kafalat.

Program Overview and Budget

In its first phase, the Punjab government has dedicated a budget of Rs. 2 billion to the Livestock Distribution Program.

Phase 1 (2025) Highlights:

• Budget: Rs. 2 Billion

• Animals Distributed: 4,870 cows and buffaloes

• Beneficiaries: 11,000 rural women

• Future Target: Expand to 25 districts by 2026

All animals are selected after thorough veterinary checks to ensure they are healthy and productive. The process of selecting beneficiaries is transparent, involving on-site verifications and document reviews.

Districts Covered in the First Phase

The program currently focuses on 12 rural districts with high poverty levels and strong livestock potential:
Bahawalpur, Rajanpur, Bhakkar, D.G. Khan, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Mianwali, Lodhran, Bahawalnagar, Vehari, Pakpattan, and Okara.

More districts will join the program in later phases as funding increases and the model proves successful.

Eligibility Criteria

The Livestock Distribution Program is open to deserving rural women across Punjab.

Eligibility Details:

• Gender: Women only (widows and low-income families prioritized)

• Residence: Must belong to a rural area in Punjab

• Income Status: Preference for BISP and Ehsaas Kafalat beneficiaries

• Experience: Some livestock handling experience is preferred

• Required Documents: CNIC, proof of residence, and income certificate

The selection process focuses on ensuring that the support reaches families who genuinely need livelihood opportunities.

How to Apply for the Program

Women interested in applying can follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the nearest Livestock Department office or Union Council.

2. Get the Livestock Distribution Registration Form 2025.

3. Attach the required documents (CNIC, income proof, residence verification).

4. Submit the form at the designated office.

5. Wait for home verification by Livestock Department officials.

6. Shortlisted applicants will receive an SMS notification.

For more updates and application status, applicants can visit the official website:
👉 https://livestock.punjab.gov.pk

What Beneficiaries Receive

The support package goes beyond just animals. Each selected woman receives a complete livestock assistance plan, which includes:

• 1–2 milk-producing cows or buffaloes

• Free veterinary care, including vaccinations and deworming

• Subsidized feed for the first few months

• Training sessions on dairy farming, hygiene, and livestock management

• Monitoring visits from Livestock Department officials

This ensures the livestock remain healthy and productive, allowing women to maintain steady income and food security.

Expected Benefits

The government estimates that each beneficiary could earn Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month from milk sales. In addition, they can earn from selling calves or breeding livestock, with potential long-term growth in assets.

Key Benefits:

• Monthly Milk Income: Rs. 20,000–30,000

• Calf Sale Value: Rs. 60,000–100,000

• Household Savings: Rs. 5,000–8,000 per month

• Long-Term Growth: Build a sustainable family asset

Besides income generation, the program improves nutrition and food security, as families have access to fresh milk daily.

Conclusion

The Punjab Livestock Distribution Program 2025 is more than a welfare scheme — it’s a vision for lasting empowerment. By giving rural women cows and buffaloes, the government is not just offering aid but an opportunity to earn, grow, and live with dignity.

This initiative reflects a strong commitment to transforming rural lives, promoting women’s economic independence, and building a self-reliant Punjab.