Livestock Card Phase 2 Launched 14 October 2026: Rs 27,000 Per Animal Interest-Free Loan

There is big news for the cattle farmers of Punjab. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif formally launched the second phase of the Punjab Livestock Card in Lahore on 14 October 2026, opening Rs 16.2 billion in interest-free loans for livestock farmers across the province. Under this phase, farmers get Rs 27,000 per animal for feed, silage and mineral mixtures, and they repay only the principal amount. If you keep cattle, buffaloes or other livestock, this article tells you what was announced, who benefits and how to apply.

The Launch Ceremony in Lahore

The Chief Minister inaugurated the new phase through a digital transaction using a Livestock Card, and a documentary on the work of the Livestock Department was screened at the event. Provincial Livestock Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Secretary Livestock Ahmad Aziz Tarrar briefed the Chief Minister on the programme’s performance and future objectives.

• Formal launch: 14 October 2026 in Lahore, inaugurated by the Chief Minister with a digital card swipe
• Briefing given by Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Secretary Ahmad Aziz Tarrar
• A documentary on the Livestock Department’s work was screened at the ceremony
• The stated goal: turn Punjab into a calf hub, connecting farmers with national and international meat markets
• Official portal: plc.punjab.gov.pk for registration and updates

The government highlighted efforts to expand meat exports through markets in Saudi Arabia, China, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Europe, with Punjab’s meat exports reported to have increased by $96 million over the past year.

Rs 16.2 Billion: What the Budget Covers

The headline figure of Phase 2 is the budget: Rs 16.2 billion in interest-free financing. The money has one clear purpose: helping farmers feed their animals properly so the animals stay healthy and productive. A well-fed animal gives more milk, gains weight faster and fetches a better price in the market.

• Total allocation: Rs 16.2 billion for interest-free livestock loans in this phase
• The loan is interest-free in the true sense: the farmer repays only the principal, and the Punjab government bears the interest cost
• Purpose: purchase of wanda (animal feed), silage and mineral mixtures
• Target: improved nutrition for 600,000 animals over the next two years
• The phase aims to increase meat production and strengthen the livestock industry

Rs 27,000 Per Animal, Plus Free Tagging and Vaccination

The scheme gives Rs 27,000 per animal. That amount is a loan for animal feed and nutrition, and it is spent on wanda, silage and mineral mixtures through registered dealers. The card works like a credit facility at approved outlets, so the money reaches the animals, not the wrong pockets.

• Amount: Rs 27,000 loan per animal for feed and nutrition
• Spend on: wanda, silage and mineral mixtures from registered dealers
• Cash option: up to 25% of the loan can be withdrawn in cash through ATMs
• Earlier cycles structured loans from Rs 135,000 for five animals up to Rs 540,000 for twenty animals
• Repayment: only the principal amount, no interest for the farmer
• Free animal tagging: every covered animal gets registered and tagged in the department’s SPMS-9211 record system
• Free FMD vaccination: protection against foot-and-mouth disease, which can wipe out a farmer’s income in weeks
• The Livestock Connect Portal has connected thousands of farmers directly with meat exporters

Let us be clear about one thing: the Rs 27,000 is the per-animal loan amount defined by the scheme. It is not a cash grant. You use it for feed, and you return the principal. If you see anyone promising Rs 27,000 in hand as free money, that is not what the scheme offers. A tagged, vaccinated herd is healthier, easier to sell at a better price and easier to qualify for future government support.

The Record of Phase 1

The government launched Phase 2 with confidence because the first phase performed strongly. These are the official figures presented at the launch briefing.

A 96% recovery rate is remarkable for any agricultural credit programme. It means farmers returned nearly all the money they borrowed, which is exactly why the government is doubling down with Rs 16.2 billion in Phase 2.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Checklist

The launch reports did not publish a separate Phase 2 eligibility document. Under the earlier cycle, a Livestock Department official listed these conditions, and you should confirm them for Phase 2 with your local livestock office before applying.

• You must be a resident of Punjab
• You should own at least five male calves or bull calves
• You must hold a valid CNIC
• You need a mobile SIM registered in your own name
• Your animals should be registered in the Livestock Department’s database

How to Register Right Now

Registration is open. The easiest method is an SMS: type PLC, then a space, then your 13-digit CNIC number, and send it to 8070 from the mobile SIM registered in your own name. You will get a confirmation reply, and then your animals and records are verified by the Livestock Department.

• SMS method: PLC, a space and your CNIC number to 8070, from your own SIM
• Portal method: register at plc.punjab.gov.pk
• In person: visit the help desk at your nearest Civil Veterinary Hospital
• Card collection: approved farmers collect their card from Bank of Punjab branches with their original CNIC
• Phase 1 cardholders: keep using your existing card, you do not need a new one
• Cost: zero. Registration is completely free, so report anyone who demands a fee on the helpline

Anyone who asks you for a fee or claims to speed up your application is running a scam. The department charges nothing for registration.

Conclusion

Livestock Card Phase 2, launched on 14 October 2026, offers Rs 16.2 billion in interest-free loans at Rs 27,000 per animal, plus free tagging and FMD vaccination. Register free via SMS to 8070, the portal plc.punjab.gov.pk, or your nearest veterinary hospital.

FAQs

When was Livestock Card Phase 2 launched?

It was formally launched on 14 October 2026 in Lahore by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who inaugurated it with a digital card swipe. The Livestock Minister and Secretary briefed her on the phase’s plan at the ceremony.

How much loan do I get per animal?

Rs 27,000 per animal for wanda, silage and mineral mixtures. You repay only the principal, and the Punjab government bears the interest. Up to 25% can be withdrawn as cash through ATMs.

How do I register for Phase 2?

Send an SMS with PLC, a space and your CNIC number to 8070 from your own SIM, register on plc.punjab.gov.pk, or visit your nearest Civil Veterinary Hospital help desk. Registration is free.

I already have a Phase 1 card. Do I need a new one?

No. Phase 1 cardholders keep using their existing cards for Phase 2. You do not need to apply for a new card.