In the agricultural landscape of Pakistan, livestock plays a vital role in shaping the economic stability and livelihood of millions of rural families. Punjab — being the country’s largest and most agriculturally productive province — contributes a major share to Pakistan’s milk and meat production. Despite this contribution, a large number of small livestock farmers often face serious financial challenges. Limited access to credit, rising feed prices, and a lack of modern facilities make it difficult for them to maintain and grow their livestock businesses.
Recognizing these challenges, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has taken a visionary step by introducing the CM Punjab Livestock Card Program 2025. This initiative represents a new chapter in Pakistan’s agricultural transformation — designed to empower farmers, promote sustainable livestock management, and boost rural income through financial inclusion.
The CM Punjab Livestock Card Program is not merely a subsidy or a short-term relief scheme. It is a well-structured development policy aimed at bringing long-lasting change to Punjab’s livestock sector. Under this scheme, farmers will be provided interest-free loans (Qarz-e-Hasna) through a digital livestock card, enabling them to purchase high-quality animal feed, silage, mineral mixtures, and other essential inputs. These loans are issued with complete transparency, supported by digital verification and real-time monitoring systems to ensure that the funds are used for genuine livestock purposes.
Through this innovative approach, the Punjab government seeks to end the exploitation of poor farmers who, for years, have been trapped by informal lenders and middlemen charging exorbitant interest rates. The Livestock Card gives them direct access to formal credit channels for the first time — eliminating the need to depend on private moneylenders. This shift not only improves farmers’ purchasing power but also strengthens the local dairy and meat industries by ensuring a consistent and quality input supply.
The program is expected to benefit over 80,000 farmers in its initial phase and cover around 300,000 animals across Punjab. The Livestock & Dairy Development Department is working in close coordination with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and other financial institutions to ensure smooth implementation. The process includes digital registration, on-ground verification, and animal tagging to maintain transparency. Once verified, farmers receive a Punjab Livestock Card that functions much like an ATM card, loaded with their approved credit limit.
This initiative reflects the broader vision of the Punjab government to build a self-sufficient and technologically advanced agricultural economy. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has emphasized that the goal is not only to provide financial aid but also to encourage the adoption of modern livestock practices — such as balanced feeding, better breeding techniques, and disease control through veterinary support.
By supporting livestock farmers, especially women in rural areas, the government is also promoting economic inclusion and social uplift. Special programs under the same umbrella are being launched to provide free cows and buffaloes to deserving women in the southern districts of Punjab, helping them start small dairy enterprises from their homes.
In short, the CM Punjab Livestock Card Program 2025 is more than a financial assistance scheme — it is a comprehensive development model built around empowerment, transparency, and sustainability. It addresses the most pressing challenges of the livestock sector while aligning with Pakistan’s national goals of poverty reduction and food security.
This initiative symbolizes hope for thousands of small farmers who have long struggled for access to fair credit and better opportunities. With the introduction of this program, Punjab is taking a bold step toward transforming its rural economy, ensuring that every hardworking farmer gets the tools and support needed to improve productivity, increase income, and contribute to the province’s prosperity.
What Is the CM Punjab Livestock Card Program 2025?
The CM Punjab Livestock Card Scheme is a financial support initiative by the Government of Punjab, launched under the supervision of the Livestock & Dairy Development Department. Its purpose is to offer interest-free credit to registered livestock farmers through a dedicated smart card.
With this card, farmers can purchase livestock feed and veterinary supplies directly from approved vendors, reducing their dependency on private lenders who charge high interest rates.
The program’s motto is clear:
“Empowering Farmers, Enhancing Productivity, and Boosting Punjab’s Rural Economy.”
Objectives of the Livestock Card Scheme
The government launched this program with several key goals in mind:
- Provide Interest-Free Loans – Enable small and medium livestock farmers to buy feed, silage, and veterinary inputs without financial burden.
- Increase Milk & Meat Production – Improve animal nutrition to enhance productivity and quality.
- Encourage Modern Dairy Practices – Promote scientific feeding, better breed management, and digital record keeping.
- Reduce Exploitation by Private Lenders – Give farmers access to formal credit channels through government-backed support.
- Empower Women Farmers – Include women beneficiaries from rural areas by providing them with assets like cows and buffaloes under allied schemes.
Key Features of the CM Livestock Card 2025
Here are the main highlights of the program:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Loan Type | Interest-Free (Qarz-e-Hasna) |
Loan Amount | PKR 135,000 to PKR 270,000 |
Target Group | Livestock farmers (individuals owning 5–10 animals) |
Purpose | Purchase of feed, silage, mineral mixtures, and veterinary supplies |
Repayment Tenure | Flexible, defined by the Livestock Department |
Mode of Disbursement | Through the Punjab Livestock Card linked with partner banks |
Verification | Physical verification and animal tagging are required |
Coverage Area | All districts of Punjab (implemented in phases) |
Helpline | 08000-9211 |
Phases and Implementation Plan
The Livestock Card Program is being rolled out in phases across Punjab:
- Phase I (2024): Pilot project launched in selected districts to test feasibility.
- Phase II (2025): Expanded to all 36 districts of Punjab, targeting 300,000 animals and over 80,000 farmers.
The government allocated Rs. 12 billion in the Punjab Budget 2025-26 to support this initiative. Applications were open from May 15 to June 15, 2025, for the second phase, and more windows will follow in late 2025 and 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the CM Punjab Livestock Card Program 2025, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Punjab, Pakistan.
- Valid CNIC: Applicant’s CNIC must be registered in their own name.
- Active Mobile Number: SIM should be registered under the applicant’s CNIC.
- Livestock Ownership: Must own between 5 and 10 animals (cattle or buffalo).
- Clean Credit History: No prior loan defaults or blacklisting from any bank.
- Livestock Registration: Animals should be registered and tagged by the Livestock Department.
- First-Come, First-Served Basis: Limited quota for each district.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s a simple guide on how to apply for the Livestock Card Scheme 2025:
Step 1: Eligibility Check
Visit your nearest Livestock Department Office to confirm eligibility or call the helpline (08000-9211).
Step 2: SMS Registration
Send an SMS to 8070 using the format:PLC <space> CNIC Number
Example: PLC 35202-1234567-8
You will receive a confirmation message with details about further verification.
Step 3: Online Application (Optional)
Visit the official website:
👉 livestock.punjab.gov.pk
Fill in the registration form with:
- CNIC number
- Contact details
- Livestock count and type
- District and tehsil information
Step 4: Field Verification
Livestock officers will visit your farm to:
- Verify the number of animals
- Tag the animals with official IDs
- Record GPS location and photographs
Step 5: Loan & Card Issuance
After approval, you’ll receive your Punjab Livestock Card (similar to an ATM card) linked to a partner bank account. The approved credit limit will be loaded onto your card.
Step 6: Purchase Inputs
Use your card to buy livestock feed, silage, and mineral mixtures from approved suppliers listed on the program’s portal.
Documents Required
Applicants must provide the following documents:
- Copy of CNIC
- Passport-size photo
- Mobile number (registered under CNIC)
- Livestock ownership record
- Farm verification form
- Bank account details (if applicable)
Benefits of the Livestock Card Program
The CM Punjab Livestock Card brings a wide range of advantages to rural farmers:
1. Interest-Free Credit Access
Farmers can access up to PKR 270,000 in credit without paying a single rupee in interest.
2. Better Feed and Nutrition
The program allows farmers to buy scientifically balanced feed, resulting in healthier animals and higher milk yields.
3. Increased Income for Farmers
Improved livestock productivity directly translates into more milk and meat, increasing household income.
4. Women’s Empowerment
Special initiatives under this program include providing free cows and buffalo to deserving women in 12 districts of South Punjab.
5. Digital Transparency
Each transaction through the livestock card is recorded digitally, ensuring transparency and reducing corruption.
6. Reduction in Middlemen Exploitation
Farmers no longer need to rely on local lenders who charge 30–40% interest rates.
7. Economic Uplift of Rural Punjab
By supporting small farmers, the scheme aims to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living across rural communities.
Partner Organizations
The following departments and institutions are collaborating to implement the program:
- Government of Punjab
- Livestock & Dairy Development Department
- Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB)
- State Bank of Pakistan (for financial oversight)
- Partner Banks (for card issuance and loan management)
- Urban Unit (for monitoring and verification)
Monitoring and Transparency
The government has set up a robust monitoring mechanism:
- Each beneficiary’s livestock is digitally tagged.
- GIS tracking ensures transparency in animal verification.
- Loan utilization is monitored through partner banks.
- Farmers with successful repayment are prioritized in future schemes.
This ensures that every rupee is used for the intended purpose — improving livestock production and supporting rural families.
Government’s Vision for 2025–2026
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that the goal of this initiative is not just to provide financial help, but to build a self-sustaining livestock economy in Punjab.
“We aim to make every livestock farmer financially independent, technologically equipped, and part of a transparent system that rewards hard work and integrity.”
By integrating technology, credit facilities, and training, the Punjab government plans to transform the province into a livestock export hub by 2026.
Tips for Applicants
- Apply early during the registration window.
- Keep all livestock records updated.
- Ensure your CNIC and mobile number are valid and active.
- Repay your loan installments on time to qualify for future benefits.
- Use the loan only for livestock-related expenses.
- Keep copies of all verification and purchase receipts.
Helpline and Contact Information
For queries or complaints, contact:
📞 Helpline: 08000-9211
🌐 Official Website: https://livestock.punjab.gov.pk
🏢 Address: Livestock & Dairy Development Department, Government of Punjab, Lahore
Conclusion
The CM Punjab Livestock Card Program 2025 is a groundbreaking step toward transforming Pakistan’s rural economy. By offering interest-free loans, digital transparency, and direct support to farmers, this initiative is empowering thousands of families across Punjab.
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