Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card

 What is the Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card scheme?

The “Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card” scheme is an agricultural support program introduced by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Punjab to empower small-scale farmers through subsidized loans and modern farming support. Here's what it entails:

Overview

• Launched in March–April 2024, the scheme aims to benefit 500,000 small farmers, offering loans worth PKR 150 billion annually on favorable terms.

 Key Features and Benefits

• Crop Loans: Farmers can access interest-free loans, up to PKR 30,000 per acre, for purchasing seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs.

• Model Agriculture Centres (MACs): These district-level centers provide training, access to verified inputs, machinery rentals, and demonstration plots to prevent counterfeit material circulation.

• Subsidies on Inputs: Cardholders receive up to 50% subsidy on agricultural machinery, high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.

• Support Services: Investment in R&D centers (e.g. at Agriculture University Faisalabad), data-driven crop planning, agriculture graduate hiring, and amendments to fertilizer and pesticide laws to safeguard farmers’ interests.

 Who Can Benefit?

• Small farmers in Punjab who own up to 12.5 acres of land.

• Must be vehicle/loan-default free and have a verified NADRA ID and mobile number registered under their CNIC.

 Growth & Expansion

• By October 2024, the initiative was scaled up further:

• Kisan Card holders increased from 500,000 to 750,000 farmers

• Provision of machinery based on land size: Laser levelers for 12.5–25 acre farms, free tractors for those owning more than 25 acres

• A rental system for machinery and a wider dealer network (3,000 centers) were launched.

•  Summary Table

  Component	Details
  Total Allocation	PKR 150 billion annually for 500,000 farmers
  Loan Per Acre	Up to PKR 30,000 for inputs
  Land Ownership Limit	Up to 12.5 acres
  Subsidies	Up to 50% on machinery, seeds, fertilizers, etc.
  Support Infrastructure	Model Agri Centres, research labs, extension services
  Scale-Up Targets	750,000 cards, machinery support, and training

  Bottom Line

  The Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card is a comprehensive program intended to transform agricultural productivity for smallholder farmers in Punjab. It combines financial access, subsidies, scientific guidance, and institutional oversight, making it one of the largest state-led agricultural support initiatives of its kind.

Who launched the Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card and why?

The Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card scheme was launched and officially approved by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. She unveiled the program during a special agricultural reform meeting in late March 2024, citing its significance as the largest-ever farmer support initiative in Pakistan.

Purpose of the Scheme

• Enhance farmer prosperity by unlocking easy access to credit and quality agricultural inputs. CM Maryam emphasized, “Our commitment … to increase productivity and prosperity of farmers”

• Provide interest‑free crop loans of Rs 30,000 per acre, up to PKR 150 billion annually, benefiting 500,000 small farmers, each with land holding up to 12.5 acres.

• Support input access by offering subsidized seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and 50% machinery cost coverage via Model Agriculture Centres (MACs) set up across Punjab in collaboration with the private sector

Summary Table

Item	Details
Launched by	Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif
Launch Date	Ordered in late March 2024 (special meeting and program approval)
Target Group	Smallholders (≤ 12.5 acres), ~500,000 farmers
Loan Per Acre	Rs 30,000 for inputs per crop season
Annual Allocation	PKR 150 billion worth of agricultural credit
Support Services	Subsidized inputs, training, Model Agri Centres, rural extension programs
Goal	Boost productivity, reduce input costs, streamline access to credit

Bottom Line

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched the Kisan Card scheme in March 2024 to directly support small farmers in Punjab. The scheme provides easily accessible loans and input subsidies, backed by institutional infrastructure like Model Agriculture Centres, with the aim of modernizing agriculture and promoting prosperity among tenant and smallholder families.

Who is eligible to receive the Kisan Card?

Here are the eligibility requirements for receiving the Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card in Punjab, designed to support small-scale farmers through credit and input subsidies:

Who Is Eligible for the Kisan Card Scheme?

 Residency & Identity

• Must be a permanent resident of Punjab, with a valid NADRA-issued CNIC.

 Land Ownership

• Must own agricultural land, typically between 1 and 12.5 acres of cultivable land. Farmers with no land or very large holdings do not qualify.

Poverty Assessment

• Targeted towards lower-income farmers—must have a poverty score (PMT) of around ≤ 30–50%, as per NSER/PSER.

Financial & Legal Standing

• Must not have any default history with banks or financial institutions.

• Must not have a criminal record—background checks are performed during registration.

 Communication & Verification

• A mobile number registered under the same CNIC is required (used for SMS-based registration and status checks).

Summary Table

Eligibility Criterion	Requirement
Residency & Identity	Punjab resident, CNIC verified
Land Ownership	Own or lease 1–12.5 acres of agricultural land
Poverty Score	PMT score ≤ 30–50%
Financial Standing	No bank defaults or outstanding loans
Legal Status	No criminal record
Communication	Mobile number linked to CNIC

 Why These Criteria Matter

These rules ensure that financial assistance reaches smallholder farmers in genuine need—avoiding misuse by wealthier or absentee landowners.

 Additional Notes

• In pilot phases, approximately 500,000 farmers were expected to benefit, with expansion to millions more in later phases.

• SMS-based eligibility checks are possible—simply send your CNIC followed by “PKC” to 8070 to learn your registration status.

 Bottom Line

The Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card is tailored for small-scale farmers in Punjab—those owning 1 to 12.5 acres, financially vulnerable (low poverty score), legally and financially clean, and with verified CNIC and land ownership. This ensures the benefits (loans and subsidies) reach genuine beneficiaries.

How can farmers apply for the Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card?

Here’s how farmers in Punjab can apply for the Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card — a government‑backed initiative providing interest‑free crop loans, subsidies on inputs, and access to agricultural tools:

 Application Methods

1. SMS Registration

• From your registered mobile number, send:>

  to 8070.

• This registers you in the system and helps check eligibility.

Visit HBL Konnect Vendor (Physical Registration)

• Go to any HBL Konnect agent or retailer.

• Biometric verification will be performed.

• Open a mobile wallet account.

• Purchase the Kisan Card bundle for ~PKR 500.

• Your card should be delivered within 15–20 days to your Agriculture Office or Tehsil office, where you can collect it after final verification.

Online Via Agriculture Punjab Portal (Phase 2 and beyond)

• Visit the Agriculture Punjab portal or designated online application system.

• Complete the form and upload documents including CNIC, land records, proof of residence, and bank details.

• Submit and note your tracking ID for follow‑up.

 Required Documents

• CNIC (copy)

• Proof of land ownership (Fard or lease agreement registered with Punjab Land Record Authority)

• Mobile SIM registered under same CNIC

• Proof of Punjab residency (e.g. utility bill)

• Bank account details (for loan disbursement)

• Passport-size photo (in some cases)

 Required Documents

• CNIC (copy)

• Proof of land ownership (Fard or lease agreement registered with Punjab Land Record Authority)

• Mobile SIM registered under same CNIC

• Proof of Punjab residency (e.g. utility bill)

• Bank account details (for loan disbursement)

• Passport-size photo (in some cases)

Step-by-Step Overview

Method	Action
SMS Registration	Send “PKC <space> CNIC” to 8070 via registered mobile number
In-Person at HBL	Visit HBL Konnect; biometric verification; buy bundle; collect card later
Online Application	Fill application form; upload documents; submit via Agriculture portal.

 Timeline & Updates

• Phase 1 registration opened in mid‑2024, with 5 lakh farmers targeted.

• Distribution of cards began early September 2024.

Phase 2 expanded eligibility (e.g., land holdings ≤25 acres) with online portal and extended deadlines.

Bottom Line

Yes, farmers in Punjab can register via SMS, in person at HBL Konnect centers, or online through the official Agriculture Punjab portal to apply for the Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card. After completing verification—especially biometric checks and land validation—the card is issued and grants access to interest‑free loans, input subsidies, and agricultural support services.

What is the duration/validity of the Kisan Card?

The Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card in Punjab is issued on an annual/seasonal basis—typically valid for the current crop cycle during the fiscal year it is issued. Here's what is known:

 Duration & Validity

• According to Punjab’s Chief Minister’s Special Monitoring Unit (SMU), the Kisan Card is issued for the 2024–25 season, with possibility of renewal in subsequent years

• Practically, the card remains active during the 2024–25 agricultural season, allowing farmers to access benefits (loans, subsidies, input purchases) within that period.

Renewal & Extension

• No fixed multi-year validity has been officially announced.

• Farmers may receive a new or renewed card in each season, contingent on eligibility and successful application under future phases of the scheme.

Summary Table

Aspect	Details
Validity Period	Typically valid during the issuing season (e.g., 2024–25)
Renewal Frequency	Expected annually or seasonally
Updated Card Needed	Yes—each season for fresh access and eligibility

Bottom Line:

The Kisan Card is seasonally issued and valid for the corresponding crop year (like 2024–25). Farmers are expected to participate in the scheme annually to receive updated benefits and maintain eligibility for subsidized loans and inputs.

Is the scheme available across all districts of Punjab?

Yes — the Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card Scheme is available across all districts of Punjab, not limited to only select areas.

Provincial Reach

• As of mid‑2024, the Punjab government had initiated distribution of Kisan Cards to farmers in every tehsil-level agriculture office across the province. These offices number over 136 across all districts, facilitating access for eligible farmers in all areas.

• The Special Monitoring Unit confirmed distribution operations are underway across the entire province, ensuring each district receives access to the benefits.

Summary Table

Aspect	Details
District Coverage	All districts of Punjab are covered
Distribution Channels	Tehsil agriculture offices in all districts
Farmer Access	Available province-wide

Additional Context

• While the pilot phase began with an initial target of 500,000 Kisan Cards, the program was later expanded to 750,000 beneficiaries, indicating strong scaling efforts to include farmers from all over Punjab.

• The establishment of 136 distribution centers across Punjab further highlights the scheme's province-wide implementation.

Bottom Line:

The Kisan Card initiative is being executed across all districts of Punjab. Farmers in every district—through their local tehsil agriculture office—can register, apply, and access benefits including interest-free crop loans and subsidized agricultural inputs.