Livestock Card Scheme 2026 – Financial Support for Livestock Farmers in Pakistan

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Livestock Card Scheme 2026 – Financial Support for Livestock Farmers in Pakistan

Introduction

The Livestock Card Scheme 2026 is a landmark government initiative designed to transform the financial landscape for livestock farmers across Pakistan. Livestock farming serves as the backbone of the rural economy, contributing significantly to the national agricultural GDP and securing daily livelihoods for millions of smallholders, dairy producers, and pastoral households.

Despite its importance, small and medium livestock farmers face rising animal feed costs, volatile market prices, and restricted access to formal banking credit. To bridge this financial gap, the government introduced a dedicated e-credit card facility. This program provides zero-interest financial assistance and direct access to essential farming inputs, empowering farmers to boost meat and milk production while modernizing Pakistan’s livestock sector.

Also Read:

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What is the Livestock Card Scheme?

The Livestock Card Scheme is an e-credit financial assistance program that equips registered livestock owners with a dedicated digital payment card. Executed through official banking partners—such as the Bank of Punjab (BOP)—and integrated with provincial technology boards (including PITB), this card enables farmers to purchase high-quality animal feed (wanda), silage, mineral mixtures, and veterinary supplies from authorized dealers without upfront cash constraints.

By shifting from traditional cash handouts to a secure, card-based system, the initiative guarantees complete transparency, preventing delays and ensuring subsidies reach genuine farmers.

Objectives of the Scheme

  • Financial Relief: Reduce the cost burden of critical inputs like feed, silage, and supplements.

  • Boost Production: Increase national milk and meat yields by supporting scientific feedlot fattening cycles.

  • Targeted Credit Access: Provide short-term, interest-free financing specifically tailored to 3- to 4-month animal rearing cycles.

  • Digital Financial Inclusion: Bring smallholder rural farmers into the formal banking and digital payment ecosystem.

  • Healthcare & Management: Facilitate affordable access to vaccines, veterinary medicines, and artificial insemination services.

Key Benefits & Financial Support Limits

Eligible farmers under the Livestock Card Scheme gain access to specialized financial parameters:

  • 0% Interest Rate (Zero-Markup): The government covers all markup costs, giving farmers true interest-free short-term credit.

  • Flexible Credit Limits: Funding ranges from PKR 135,000 up to PKR 270,000 per applicant.

  • Per-Animal Standard: Financed at PKR 27,000 per eligible male calf/young stock (Cows or Buffaloes).

  • Repayment Tenor: A 4-month active credit line tailored for feedlot fattening, followed by a 1-month grace period for easy settlement.

  • Direct Merchant Purchases: Ensures capital is utilized strictly for productive assets like animal feed, silage, and medicines.

Scheme Specifications at a Glance

Feature Details / Limit
Focus Keyword Livestock Card Scheme
Funding Limit PKR 135,000 (5 animals) to PKR 270,000 (10 animals)
Financing Rate PKR 27,000 per animal
Markup / Interest 0% (Interest-Free)
Card Fee Nominal fee (approx. PKR 100 per animal deducted from limit)
Target Animals 5 to 10 male calves / young stock
Credit Tenor 4 Months + 1 Month Grace Period
Registration Code SMS PLC <CNIC> to 8070

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following standard criteria:

  1. Animal Ownership: Small and medium farmers owning between 5 and 10 male calves/young stock (cattle or buffalo).

  2. Database Registration: The applicant and their livestock must be registered in the official Livestock Department database.

  3. Residency & Citizenship: Must hold a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and reside in an implementing province/region.

  4. SIM Ownership: The applicant’s active mobile SIM card must be registered directly under their own CNIC (verified via NADRA/PMD).

  5. Clean Credit History: Applicants must not have defaulted on prior bank loans or appear on credit bureau blocklists.

Required Documents

Keep the following documentation ready when applying or collecting your card:

  • Original valid CNIC.

  • Mobile phone with a SIM card registered under the same CNIC.

  • Official livestock ownership and registration records from your local veterinary officer.

  • Proof of residence or land documentation (if requested).

  • Passport-sized photographs.

Step-by-Step Application & Registration Process

Applying for the card can be completed through simple SMS channels or via regional livestock offices:

1.Local Data Verification:Step 1.

Visit your nearest Livestock Department office or Veterinary Officer to verify that your 5 to 10 male calves are registered in the official database.

2.SMS Registration (8070):Step 2.

Using the SIM registered under your own CNIC, compose a text message: PLC <space> CNIC-Number (e.g., PLC 3520212345671) and send it to 8070.

3.Automated Verification:Step 3.

NADRA, PMD, and banking partners run automated checks on your identity, SIM registration, and credit standing.

4.Card Issuance & Collection:Step 4.

Once approved, you will receive a confirmation SMS directing you to pick up your Livestock Card from a designated partner bank branch (e.g., Bank of Punjab).

5.Card Activation & Purchase:Step 5.

Activate your card at the bank and use it to purchase feed, silage, and veterinary supplies from approved input vendors.

 

Why the Livestock Sector Matters for Pakistan

The livestock sector contributes more than 60% to agricultural value addition and over 14% to Pakistan’s overall GDP. By shifting focus toward structured feedlot fattening and digital financial empowerment:

  • Food Security: The country increases its domestic supply of milk and high-quality meat.

  • Rural Poverty Alleviation: Smallholders earn higher profit margins through better animal weight gain and health.

  • Export Expansion: Standardized, healthy livestock opens doors for halal meat exports to international markets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main objective of the Livestock Card Scheme 2026?

It aims to offer short-term, interest-free credit to small and medium livestock farmers so they can purchase quality feed, silage, and veterinary supplies to boost farm productivity.

2. Is the loan provided under this card interest-free?

Yes. The program offers financial support at a 0% markup rate, with the government subsidizing all financing costs.

3. How much financial support can a farmer receive?

Farmers can receive between PKR 135,000 (for 5 animals) and PKR 270,000 (for 10 animals), calculated at PKR 27,000 per calf.

4. Can I withdraw cash directly from an ATM using this card?

No. The Livestock Card is designed exclusively for purchasing feed (wanda), silage, and mineral mixtures at authorized vendor point-of-sale (POS) terminals.

5. How do I register for the card via mobile SMS?

Send an SMS formatted as PLC <space> CNIC Number to 8070 using a mobile number registered under your own CNIC.

6. What is the repayment duration for the loan?

The credit cycle lasts up to 4 months for animal rearing, followed by a 1-month grace period for full loan settlement.

7. Who is eligible to apply for the card?

Pakistani livestock farmers holding a valid CNIC, a clean credit record, registered livestock data, and ownership of 5 to 10 male calves.

8. Are dairy farmers owning cows or buffaloes eligible?

While the main credit line targets feedlot fattening for male calves/young stock, dairy farmers who meet the animal headcount criteria can also apply through their local departments.

9. What happens if I fail to repay the loan on time?

Failure to settle the amount within the 5-month total window leads to loss of eligibility for future cycles and legal recovery proceedings under banking regulations.

10. Where can I collect my card once my application is approved?

Upon receiving an approval SMS, you can collect your card from the designated branch of the partner bank (e.g., The Bank of Punjab).

Conclusion & Disclaimer

Conclusion

The Livestock Card Scheme 2026 offers a practical solution to the cash-flow challenges faced by Pakistani livestock producers. By integrating zero-markup loans, transparent SMS-based registration (8070), and direct access to essential farm inputs, the scheme helps rural families build sustainable, profitable livestock businesses while strengthening national food security.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Terms, interest-free loan allocations, eligibility requirements, and application procedures depend on official government policies and may vary by province. Always verify the latest updates directly through official department portals or the regional helpline.

Official Links & Support Contacts

Published By: Pak Schemes Team
Date : 22 July 2026
Topic: Livestock Card Scheme 2026

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