The government attributed the growth to the Punjab Livestock Card Scheme, launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, which provides farmers with Rs27,000 per animal to cover feed and fodder expenses.
According to the government, 129,581 animals raised under the scheme have been exported so far.
To facilitate exports to China, Europe and the United States, Punjab has notified eight Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) compartments and plans to establish seven more this year. These compartments are intended to help meet animal health requirements for international trade.
The provincial government also plans to establish five meat-processing plants and five modern slaughterhouses, along with meat-packing facilities and commercial and corporate feedlots.
It has announced Rs19 billion in financing subsidies for investment across the livestock value chain, while private investment of Rs65 billion is expected in the meat sector.
Punjab will also establish its first FMD vaccine production unit through a public-private partnership, with private investment of Rs28 billion, according to the government statement.
District-wise export figures shared by the government include 20,000 animals from Lahore, 24,297 from Bahawalpur, 12,529 from Faisalabad, 21,000 from Gujranwala and Gujrat, 27,000 from Multan, 22,000 from Sargodha and 2,661 from Sahiwal.
Under the Livestock Connect system, the government has established direct links with 1,725 fattening farms, 20 export slaughterhouses, 88 meat exporters and 34 meat traders.
The number of rural women livestock farmers registered under the Livestock Card Scheme has also increased from 90 to 1,107.
Punjab Orders Stronger Measures Against Livestock Disease
Separately, Punjab Livestock Secretary Ahmad Aziz Tarar has announced a zero-tolerance policy towards delays or concealment in reporting livestock disease outbreaks, warning that negligent officials will face strict action.
During a meeting held via video link, Tarar reviewed the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, available vaccine stocks and ongoing containment measures.
He directed field officials and departmental directors to ensure sufficient supplies of the FMD vaccine reach every district and tehsil within the next 24 hours.
Officials were also instructed to strictly follow standard operating procedures, use the ADRS Info app for real-time disease reporting and carry out targeted ring vaccination around affected areas to protect livestock.
The measures come as the provincial government seeks to expand livestock exports while strengthening disease control and improving animal health standards.
