Punjab Livestock Card: Empowering Farmers Through Digital Innovation
Punjab’s livestock sector is getting a major boost with the launch of the Punjab Livestock Card, a groundbreaking program designed to support farmers through digital access to interest-free loans, expert advice, and modern livestock management tools. Introduced under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in mid-2024, this initiative marks a turning point in how rural farmers manage their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
What Is the Punjab Livestock Card?
The Punjab Livestock Card is a digital financial tool that allows farmers to access interest-free credit for purchasing livestock-related essentials. Farmers can use the card to buy animal feed, silage, mineral supplements, and veterinary supplies from approved vendors.
This program aims to make livestock farming more sustainable by helping farmers improve animal health, increase milk and meat production, and ultimately boost their household income.
Easy Loans and Phased Implementation
The scheme is being rolled out in phases to ensure smooth and fair implementation.
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Phase I (2024): Farmers received loans ranging from PKR 135,000 to PKR 270,000, depending on the number of animals owned.
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Phase II (2025): The program expanded to include farmers owning 5 to 20 animals, offering loans up to PKR 540,000.
Each loan is provided for a four-month usage period with a one-month grace period. Repayments begin in the seventh month after the loan is granted, giving farmers enough time to use the funds effectively before repayment.
Digital Guidance Through the Farmer App
To complement the card, the government also launched the Farmer Guidance App, a one-stop digital platform for livestock management. Through this app, farmers can:
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Get expert advice on animal health, feeding, and breeding.
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Locate nearby veterinary clinics and service centers.
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Receive disease alerts and preventive health tips in real time.
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Keep digital records of vaccinations, treatments, and livestock census data.
The app is also linked with the Animal Identity Traceability System, which allows tagging and monitoring of livestock to prevent disease outbreaks and theft.
Additionally, the “Livestock Punjab – SPMS-9211” app has been introduced to manage complaints, maintain treatment records, and ensure transparency in service delivery.
Who Can Apply for the Livestock Card?
To make sure the scheme benefits genuine farmers, applicants must meet certain criteria:
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Be a resident of Punjab with a valid CNIC.
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Have an active mobile number registered in their name.
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Own at least five animals (cows or buffaloes).
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Have a clean credit history verified through the Electronic Credit Information Bureau (ECIB).
How to Apply
The registration process is now fully digital, eliminating the need for long queues or paperwork.
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Visit the official portal of the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department.
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Enter your CNIC for verification.
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Fill in personal and livestock details carefully.
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Submit the application and track your status online using your CNIC.
Previously, farmers applied via SMS by sending their CNIC to 8070, but now the entire process is managed online to ensure transparency.
2025 Updates and Expansion
The Punjab Livestock Card has seen several improvements in 2025:
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Increased loan limit up to PKR 540,000.
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Verification through NADRA and NACTA for added security.
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Online status tracking to prevent misuse or favoritism.
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A separate initiative to distribute free cows and buffaloes to 11,000 rural women, empowering them to earn and contribute to household income.
Empowering Rural Women
Women play a key role in livestock management in rural Punjab. The government has ensured that female farmers also benefit from this initiative. Alongside the Livestock Card, women are being supported through the Kissan Card and Himmat Card programs, helping them access financial resources and participate more actively in the rural economy.
Why the Punjab Livestock Card Matters
The Punjab Livestock Card isn’t just a loan program — it’s a complete digital ecosystem for livestock farmers. It promotes:
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Financial inclusion through interest-free loans.
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Digital transformation via mobile apps and online tracking.
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Better animal health through expert guidance and disease alerts.
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Transparency in fund distribution and record-keeping.
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Empowerment of rural women and youth entrepreneurs.
A Step Toward a Digital Farming Future
The Punjab Livestock Card is part of the province’s broader digital agriculture strategy, connecting farmers with technology, financing, and data-driven services. By bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern tools, the initiative promises a healthier, more productive, and self-reliant rural Punjab.
For those ready to take the next step, registration is open through the Livestock and Dairy Development Department’s online portal. With this card in hand, Punjab’s farmers can look forward to a future where farming meets innovation — and prosperity follows.
