Livestock Card Scheme

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 What is the Livestock Card Scheme?


What is the Livestock Card Scheme?

The Livestock Card Scheme is a welfare initiative launched by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif under the Punjab government to support livestock farmers across the province—especially in rural and underserved areas.

Purpose of the Scheme

  • To financially empower livestock farmers (especially women and small-scale herders).

  • To provide easy and interest-free access to feed, medicines, and veterinary care.

  • To increase meat, milk, and dairy production in Punjab.

Key Features

  • Interest-free loans through the Livestock Card.

  • Subsidized animal feed, medicines, and vaccines.

  • Access to veterinary services and mobile clinics.

  • Farmers can repay the loan in flexible installments.

  • Priority for women-led households and small farmers.

Who Can Apply?

  • Residents of Punjab involved in livestock farming (goats, cows, buffaloes, etc.).

  • Must have a valid CNIC and proof of livestock ownership.

  • Preference to small-scale farmers and women.

Benefits

  • Helps improve animal health and farm productivity.

  • Reduces economic pressure on low-income rural families.

  • Encourages more people, especially women, to join the dairy and livestock economy.

Who is eligible for the Livestock Card Scheme?




Here’s who is eligible to apply for the Livestock Card Scheme under Maryam Nawaz’s Punjab government:

Eligibility Criteria

Based on official sources, a farmer must meet all the following:

  1. A permanent resident of Punjab province

  2. Possess a valid CNIC (National Identity Card)

  3. Own a mobile phone SIM registered in their own name (must be active)

  4. Own between 5 to 10 male calves or young till‑age stock (buffalo/cattle) — applicants with more than 10 may apply but loans are capped at 10 animals

  5. Have a clean credit history, verified through Electronic Credit Information Bureau (E‑CIB), with no prior defaults or disqualifications under government loan programs

  6. Must pass NADRA Verisys® and NACTA verification to confirm authenticity of identity and eligibility

  8. Physical verification of the farmer and livestock conducted by authorised authorities (e.g., Urban Unit or Livestock Department teams)

  9. Selection is on a first‑come, first‑served basis, so timely application is crucial.

  10. Women‑Only Phase in 2025

    A special Phase 2 targeting rural women in South Punjab districts (e.g., Multan, Rahim Yar Khan) has additional criteria:

    • Age between 18 and 55 years

    • Female applicants must be widowed, divorced, or classified as extremely poor

    • PMT poverty score below 32 and no permanent income

    • Permanent residence in the specified South Punjab districts

    • Must not have participated in Phase 1

    • Must have at least one livestock space (e.g. shelter or area for animal)

  11. Important Notes

    • Loans are capped at five months (4 months utilization + 1 month grace for repayment).

    • Loan amount ranges from PKR 135,000 to PKR 270,000, based on the number of animals (up to 10 per farmer) .

    • The interest is fully covered by the government, making it effectively interest‑free for farmers .

    What is the purpose of this scheme?

  12. Purpose of the Livestock Card Scheme

    The Livestock Card Scheme launched by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif is designed to uplift rural livelihoods, especially those dependent on livestock farming, by providing financial access, veterinary support, and productivity incentives.


  14. Key Objectives

    1. Empower Small Farmers

      • Support low-income farmers who cannot afford quality feed, medicines, or livestock maintenance.

      • Reduce their dependence on informal moneylenders or middlemen.

    2. Boost Dairy & Meat Production

      • Increase Punjab’s overall milk and meat yield through better animal health and nutrition.

      • Encourage the use of modern livestock management practices.

    3. Provide Interest-Free Financing

      • Offer interest-free loans for purchasing feed, veterinary supplies, and animal care.

      • Help farmers repay gradually without financial burden.

    4. Support Women in Rural Areas

      • Target female livestock keepers, widows, and divorced women through special eligibility quotas.

      • Promote women’s economic inclusion in livestock and dairy farming.

    5. Improve Animal Health & Reduce Mortality

      • Provide subsidized vaccines and veterinary care to reduce livestock diseases and losses.

      • Promote regular checkups and animal record-keeping.

    6. Digitize Rural Financing

      • Use smart cards and digital verification systems to bring transparency and traceability in aid distribution.

      • Link small farmers with formal banking systems.

     In Summary:

    The scheme is not just a loan, but a complete livestock support system aimed at reducing poverty, improving rural productivity, and modernizing Punjab’s livestock economy—with special focus on smallholders and women.

    Who can benefit from this scheme.

     

    Who Can Benefit from the Livestock Card Scheme?

    The Livestock Card Scheme by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif is designed to benefit a wide range of people involved in livestock and dairy farming, especially those in rural Punjab.

  15. Primary Beneficiaries:

    1. Small-Scale Livestock Farmers

      • Those who own 5 to 10 animals (cows, buffaloes, goats).

      • Farmers struggling to afford quality feed, medicines, or veterinary services.

    2. Rural Families

      • Households that rely on animals for income or food (e.g., selling milk or meat).

    3. Women in Livestock Farming

      • Special focus on widowed, divorced, and poor women.

      • Women who run or contribute to family livestock businesses.

      • Female-headed households in South Punjab (special quota in Phase 2).

    4. Youth & Beginners in Dairy/Animal Farming

      • Young people starting small livestock businesses.

      • Those who want to expand their herds but lack capital.

    5. Farmers in Remote & Underserved Areas

      • Especially those who have limited access to banks or formal loans.

      • Farmers from districts with high poverty or livestock dependence.

    Summary

    Beneficiary GroupWhy They Benefit
    Small livestock ownersGet financial aid for feed, meds, and care
    Women (especially in South Punjab)Empowerment, income generation, financial access
    Poor rural householdsLivelihood improvement through livestock support
    Beginner livestock farmersCapital and veterinary care to grow their business
    Youth in agri-livestock sectorEncouragement to join the dairy/livestock economy

    How to apply for the Livestock Card?


  16. SMS Registration

    • Use your mobile phone number registered under your CNIC.

    • Type:
      PLC <space> <your 13-digit CNIC>

    • Send to: 8070 You'll receive a confirmation SMS if eligible.

    In‑Person Application

    • Visit your nearest tehsil veterinary hospital or dedicated Livestock Department office.

    • Provide:

      • Your original CNIC

      • Livestock ownership proof

      • Active SIM card matching your CNIC

      • Officials will verify your details and register you in the SPMS‑9211 system.

    • Verification & Approval

      • Undergo digital checks via NADRA Verisys®, NACTA, and E‑CIB (for credit history).

      • A field visit by veterinary/urban unit staff may be conducted to verify your livestock.

    • Loan Disbursement

      • If approved, loan approvals are sent via Bank of Punjab.

      • You’ll receive up to PKR 27,000 per animal (max 10 animals), over 4 months, with 1 month grace for repayment.

    • Helpline Support

      • For help or updates, call helpline 0800‑9211 (available 24/7).

    • Application Period

      • Phase 1 ran from Nov 5 to Dec 11, 2024.

      • Phase 2 (women-focused) opened around June 2025 (check your eligibility and deadline—e.g., June 30, 2025

    • Quick Checklist Before Applying

      • Valid CNIC and SIM registered in your name

      • Ownership of 5–10 male calves or young livestock

      • No loan defaults (passing E‑CIB check)

      • Supply livestock proof when applying

      • Be ready for digital and physical verifications

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