The CM Punjab Livestock Card Program is an important initiative launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to support small and medium-scale farmers in Punjab. The main purpose is to help farmers become financially strong by providing them with easy, interest-free loans and quality services for their animals.
This program is designed to transform the livestock sector in Punjab, moving it towards modern farming and better economic opportunities for rural families who rely heavily on livestock for their income.
Main Features and Benefits
The Livestock Card provides several practical benefits to registered farmers.
- Interest-Free Loans: Farmers can get interest-free loans to buy essential items like animal feed (wanda), silage, and mineral mixtures. The loan amount can go up to PKR 270,000 for farmers with 10 animals.
- Easy Repayment: Loans usually have a short, interest-free period of about 4 months plus a grace period, making repayment manageable.
- Free Services: The program includes free animal tagging, free insemination services, and quality testing for feed.
- Better Animal Health: By providing access to quality feed and veterinary care, the program helps farmers raise healthier animals, which leads to more milk and meat production.
Who is Eligible?
The program targets specific farmers who need the most help.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must be a permanent resident of Punjab. |
| Landholding | Farmers with landholdings up to 12.5 acres are generally eligible. |
| Animal Count | Farmers typically need to have 5 or more male calves to apply for the fattening program. |
| Financial History | Applicants should have a clear credit history (no defaults on previous government loans). |
| Documentation | A valid CNIC and an active phone number registered to that CNIC are required. |
How to Apply
The application process is simple and uses technology to ensure speed and transparency.
- Send an SMS: Potential applicants can check their eligibility and apply by sending their CNIC number and livestock details to the official shortcode 9211.
- Verification: The information is verified by the government and the partner bank, which is generally the Bank of Punjab (BOP).
- Hospital Visit: After initial registration, farmers might need to visit a nearby veterinary hospital for physical verification of their animals.
- Receive Card: Once approved, the farmer receives their Livestock Card, which works like a debit card at registered dealers to buy supplies.
This scheme aims to empower thousands of farmers and improve the entire livestock value chain in the province. More information is available on the official Punjab Portal or the Livestock Punjab website.
