LAHORE, Feb 3 (ABC): The Punjab government is setting up three more model cattle markets in the province to help livestock breeders secure fair prices for the animals they raise.
New markets in three districts
Punjab Cattle Markets Management and Development Company (PCMMDC) Chief Executive Officer Bilal Hashim said new model cattle markets are under development in Bhakkar, Mohammadpur, and Chowk Azam.
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said these additions will increase the total number of model cattle markets to five. Two modern facilities already operate in Lahore and Jhang. Once completed, the new markets will serve thousands of farmers, particularly those living in remote areas.
Modern facilities for farmers and traders
Hashim said the company is building these markets according to international standards. Workers are installing tensile sheds to protect cattle from the intense summer heat of the Punjab plains.
In Lahore, the Shahpur Kanjran cattle market now has a waterbed tank with a storage capacity of 50,000 gallons. The facility, considered Pakistan’s largest state-of-the-art cattle market, can accommodate up to 25,000 large animals and 150,000 small animals at a time.
Moreover, authorities are constructing security walls at all cattle markets across the province. They are also installing CCTV cameras at every model cattle market to ensure safety.
“We want livestock farmers to trade in a comfortable and secure environment,” Hashim said.
Better trading infrastructure
To improve trading, officials have built auction rings at the Lahore and Jhang markets. These rings allow traders to display animals more effectively and help buyers make informed decisions.
In addition, the markets now offer washrooms, spacious parking areas, loading and unloading bays, veterinary clinics, and banking services. These facilities aim to make livestock trading easier and more organized.
Digital platform launched
Hashim said PCMMDC established the company about a decade ago to regulate and modernize cattle markets across Punjab. Currently, it operates 113 cattle markets in all 41 districts.
Furthermore, the company has launched an e-cattle market application. The app allows buyers and sellers to trade animals from home. It proved particularly useful during the last Eidul Azha, the peak season for livestock sales.
Small farmers to benefit most
According to the National Agriculture Census 2024, Pakistan’s livestock population stands at 251.3 million. Punjab holds the largest share, with 104.2 million animals.
Prof Irshad Muhammad Khan, former dean at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, said nearly 70 percent of livestock belongs to small farmers who own only two or three animals.
“They deserve better prices for animals they raise for months and even years,” he told Wealth Pakistan.
He explained that modern cattle markets equipped with proper facilities can help farmers sell animals quickly, especially when they urgently need money.
Need for improved marketing systems
While medium and corporate farms face fewer marketing issues, small livestock farmers often struggle to secure fair rates. Therefore, Prof Khan urged the government to introduce stronger marketing mechanisms to protect these farmers.
“The government must support small farmers so they do not wait long to receive fair prices,” he said.