Main Goals of the Punjab Livestock Card
The Punjab Livestock Card Scheme 2025, officially launched by the Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, was designed with a clear purpose: to provide interest-free loans to support poor farmers in improving the health and productivity of their animals. This initiative has become one of the most ambitious programs for cattle keepers in Punjab, as it combines financial empowerment with social welfare.
I’ve personally seen how such schemes can change the daily life of a small farmer. When a farmer gets access to Rs. 135,000 – Rs. 270,000 in loans without interest, they can finally afford to buy animal feed, medicines, and improve housing for their cows and buffaloes. For many divorced women, these cards have been a doorway to income generation and household sustainability.
- Provide farmers with interest-free loans for four months.
- Repayment within one month after the loan period ends.
- Purchase of vanda, silage, and fodder to strengthen livestock.
- 60,000 cattle farmers empowered with accessible financing.
- Special attention to women’s economic role in rural communities.
This program goes beyond numbers. It’s a step to support livelihoods, uplift families, and improve the quality of the livestock sector as a whole.
Eligibility Criteria for Punjab Livestock Card 2025
Every program succeeds when eligibility is clear. To qualify, male and female farmers must own animals before registration. I once visited a farmer in Sheikhupura who was nervous about applying because he thought he needed to buy new animals first. In reality, the scheme prioritizes those who already have cattle or buffaloes, making it easier for existing farmers to benefit.
Applicants must:
- Provide complete and correct details during application.
- Submit a valid CNIC.
- Undergo a poverty score check (this is mandatory).
- Expect a loan facility of Rs. 200,000 – Rs. 270,000, depending on verification.
- Share household details, number of animals, and other required data.
The most inspiring part of the program is the incentives for women. It ensures independence and greater participation in agriculture for widows, divorced women, and other vulnerable groups.
Review of Information During Application
One of the strongest features of the scheme is its review process. The government wants to make sure loans go to genuine and deserving farmers.
Applicants must provide:
- Accurate information about the number of animals (such as cows, buffaloes, or goats).
- Housing and living conditions to show they can manage animals properly.
- Results from the household poverty survey.
- Proof of livestock management practices.
This ensures transparency. From my experience working with rural communities, these checks are crucial — they prevent misuse and build trust in government programs.
Who Can Register for Livestock Cards
The scheme casts a wide net, offering hope to different groups:
- Farmers already involved in livestock rearing.
- Women, including widows and divorced women, who wish to take charge of their farms.
- Those interested in buying silage, fodder, hay, or mineral mixtures.
- People aiming for sustainable income and higher productivity.
This inclusivity makes the scheme unique. I once met a widow in Multan who had just two buffaloes. With the Livestock Card, she was able to buy fodder in bulk, improving milk production and doubling her daily income.
How to Apply for Punjab Livestock Card 2025
The application process has been made simple and digitized.
- Send CNIC with livestock information to the official code 9211.
- Wait for confirmation of eligibility.
- Visit the nearest veterinary hospital for verification.
- Once approved, your Livestock Card will be issued.
⚠️ Note: Only use the official code. Beware of fake agents or unofficial numbers.
This system is not just a convenience — it’s a safeguard. By avoiding paper-based delays, farmers can get faster responses and avoid middlemen.
Benefits of Punjab Livestock Card
The Punjab Livestock Card brings multiple benefits to farmers:
- Interest-free loans valid for four months.
- Repayment within one month after expiry.
- Loan amounts ranging from Rs. 135,000 to Rs. 270,000.
- Opportunity to purchase vanda, silage, hay, and mineral mixtures.
- Equal chance for men and women.
- Empowerment of 60,000 farmers across Punjab.
- Better health, feeding, and productivity of animals.
From a field perspective, this isn’t just a financial tool — it’s a lifeline. A small-scale farmer told me that before the card, he often had to borrow money from local lenders at high interest. Now, with government support, he is free from that debt cycle.
Special Focus on Women Farmers
The scheme’s real innovation lies in its special focus on women. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz placed strong emphasis on ensuring female farmers, especially widows and divorced women, gain equal footing in agriculture.
- Provides financial support to vulnerable women.
- Encourages economic independence.
- Improves nutrition in households.
- Strengthens women’s role in the rural economy.
I’ve seen how this transforms family dynamics. Women who once relied entirely on relatives now confidently manage livestock, negotiate in markets, and even hire help for their farms.
Background and Current Situation
Earlier, the Katta Paal Scheme offered subsidies for calf fattening, raising meat production and boosting farmers’ incomes. Building on this, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif introduced the Livestock Card 2024, focusing on cattle purchase, feed, veterinary care, and livestock management.
This evolution reflects a strengthening initiative — from subsidies to interest-free loans. I personally consider this a smart move, as subsidies often benefit only a small group, while loans give farmers more independence.
Highlights of the Scheme
- Farmers can avail interest-free loans, easing burdens.
- Encourages farming by removing financial pressure.
- Loan range: PKR 135,000 – PKR 270,000.
- Valid for four months with a one-month grace repayment.
Target Beneficiaries
The program aims to reach:
- 40,000 – 80,000 farmers overall.
- First year: 10,000 – 20,000 farmers with 100,000 animals.
- Second year: 30,000 – 60,000 farmers covering 300,000 animals.
Such large-scale planning shows the government’s intention to make this a sustainable, long-term initiative.
How to Apply Through 8070
Besides 9211, another application method exists:
- Send SMS: PLC <space> CNIC to 8070.
- Application Period: November 05, 2024 – December 11, 2024.
This dual approach widens access and ensures no farmer is left behind.
Eligibility Criteria for 8070 Applicants
Applicants must:
- Be a resident of Punjab.
- Have an active phone number linked to their CNIC.
- Be registered in SPMS-9211.
- Own 5–10 male calves (buffalo/cattle).
- Maintain a clean credit history with no defaults or disqualifications.
- Apply on a strict first-come, serve basis.
These rules ensure fairness while targeting genuine farmers with actual livestock needs.
Helpline and Support
For updates, farmers can:
- Visit the official website: livestock.punjab.gov.pk.
- Call 08000-9211 for guidance 24/7.
This kind of support system is vital. When I tried the helpline myself, I found operators well-trained, offering clear instructions for the process.
Conclusion
The Punjab Livestock Card Scheme 2025 represents far more than just an interest-free loan facility — it is a vision for rural transformation. By focusing on both men and women farmers, especially widows and divorced women, the program ensures equal access to opportunities that can break cycles of poverty. With carefully designed eligibility criteria, a transparent verification process, and digital tools like the 9211 and 8070 SMS systems, the government has built a model that combines governance, innovation, and sustainability.
From providing Rs. 135,000 – Rs. 270,000 in support, to improving animal feed quality, and strengthening the role of women in the rural economy, the scheme promises long-term benefits. For many farmers, it is not just financial relief — it is a chance to achieve independence, stability, and growth.
If effectively implemented, the Livestock Card has the potential to empower 60,000+ households, uplift rural livelihoods, and establish a new benchmark for agricultural financing in Punjab.
FAQs
What is the Punjab Livestock Card Scheme 2025?
The Punjab Livestock Card Scheme 2025, launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, provides interest-free loans to farmers so they can purchase animal feed, vanda, silage, hay, and mineral mixtures to improve the health and productivity of their livestock.
Who is eligible to apply for the Livestock Card?
Both male and female farmers are eligible, provided they:
- Already own animals before registration.
- Have a valid CNIC.
- Meet the required poverty score.
- Provide accurate details such as the number of animals, household information, and livestock management practices.
Special incentives are given to widows, divorced women, and women farmers to ensure equal opportunities.
How much loan can farmers receive under this scheme?
Farmers can access loans between Rs. 135,000 and Rs. 270,000. The loan is interest-free for four months, with an additional one-month repayment period.
How can farmers apply for the Punjab Livestock Card?
There are two official application methods:
- Send CNIC details with livestock information to code 9211.
- Or apply via SMS PLC <space> CNIC to 8070 (within the announced application period).
Applicants must then visit their nearest veterinary hospital for physical verification before receiving their Livestock Card.
How many farmers will benefit from the scheme?
The scheme targets 40,000 – 80,000 farmers. In the first year, between 10,000 and 20,000 farmers will benefit, covering about 100,000 animals. By the second year, the program aims to reach 30,000 – 60,000 farmers, covering 300,000 animals.
Where can farmers get help or more information?
Farmers can:
- Visit the official website: livestock.punjab.gov.pk
- Call the helpline 08000-9211 for 24/7 guidance.