Livestock Card Phase 2 2026: Rs16.2 Billion Loans Announced

CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz officially launched Livestock Card Phase 2 on 14 October 2026 in Lahore. Rs16.2 billion in interest-free loans will be given for 600,000 animals over two years. Registration is open now.

On 14 October 2026, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz launched Phase 2 of the Livestock Card in Lahore. This is big news for cattle farmers across the province. The government has set aside Rs16.2 billion in interest-free loans for livestock farmers. Under this phase, farmers can get Rs27,000 per animal for feed and fodder. The goal is to support 600,000 animals over the next two years. In this complete guide, we explain the launch ceremony, the loan amount, who can apply, and the registration method step by step.

What Is Livestock Card Phase 2?

The Livestock Card is Punjab government’s card for cattle farmers. It works like a debit card. Farmers use it to buy wanda (feed), silage, and minerals for their animals from registered dealers. The government pays the interest, so the loan is fully interest-free for the farmer.

Phase 1 was a big success. The recovery rate touched 96%, which is why the government has now launched Phase 2 with a bigger budget. In Phase 1, more than 23,000 cards were issued and 70,000+ transactions were made. Phase 2 aims to reach far more farmers.

The card itself looks like a normal bank card and is issued by the Bank of Punjab. When you visit a registered dealer, you simply swipe the card and the feed cost is deducted from your loan limit. Every transaction is recorded, so there is full transparency. Dealers cannot overcharge you because prices are monitored. This system has finished the old problem of middlemen eating the subsidy.

Phase 2 Launch Ceremony in Lahore

The launch ceremony took place in Lahore on 14 October 2026. CM Maryam Nawaz herself did the digital card swipe to open Phase 2. Senior officials of the Livestock Department gave a full briefing on the occasion.

Key announcements from the ceremony:

• Rs16.2 billion interest-free loans for livestock farmers
• Rs27,000 loan per animal for feed and fodder
• Free animal tagging for all registered animals
• Free FMD (foot-and-mouth disease) vaccination in Phase 2
• Target of 600,000 animals over two years

The CM said Punjab will be made a calf (katta) hub, and 1,725 fattening farms have already been linked with the program.

Loan Amount and Key Numbers

The most important number in Phase 2 is Rs27,000 per animal. A farmer with 5 animals can get Rs135,000. With 10 animals, the loan becomes Rs270,000. The maximum loan for 20 animals is Rs540,000.

The farmer only returns the original amount. The interest is paid by the Punjab government. The loan runs for 4 months with 1 extra month of grace period. Farmers can also withdraw 25% of the amount in cash from ATMs for urgent needs.

Phase 1 vs Phase 2 Comparison

Many farmers ask what is new in Phase 2. Here is a simple comparison:

Phase 2 is bigger and better. Free tagging and free vaccination are the two big new benefits.

Who Can Apply for Phase 2?

The eligibility rules are simple and farmer-friendly:

• Must be a resident of Punjab with a valid CNIC
• Must own 5 to 20 cattle (cow, buffalo, or calf)
• Animals must be tagged and registered
• Should not be a bank defaulter
• One card per family

Women farmers are specially encouraged. In Phase 1, the number of women cardholders grew from 90 to 1,107. Read our detailed Livestock Card eligibility criteria guide for full details.

How to Register for Phase 2

Registration is open and the method is simple:

• SMS method: Type PLC [space] your CNIC number and send it to 8070
• Online method: Apply through the official portal at plc.punjab.gov.pk
• Verification: The Livestock Department will verify your animals
• Card collection: Collect your card from 131 Bank of Punjab branches

For complete steps, see our Livestock Card registration guide. Keep your CNIC and animal details ready before applying.

Benefits for Farmers

Phase 2 is not just a loan. It is a full package for livestock farmers. Feed costs go down because the loan is interest-free. Free vaccination keeps animals healthy. Free tagging makes record-keeping easy.

The benefits of the Livestock Card also include linkage with meat exporters through the Livestock Connect Portal. Farmers can now sell fattened animals directly to 88 meat exporters and 34 meat traders. This means better prices for your animals.

There is another benefit many farmers miss: your repayment record. Farmers who returned Phase 1 loans on time are now first in line for Phase 2. Banks trust them more. In the future, this clean record can help you get bigger agricultural loans. So treat the Livestock Card like your financial reputation — return on time, every time.

Conclusion

Livestock Card Phase 2 is a golden chance for Punjab’s cattle farmers. With Rs16.2 billion in interest-free loans, Rs27,000 per animal, free vaccination, and free tagging, the scheme covers everything a farmer needs. Register today via 8070 or the official portal.

FAQs

When was Livestock Card Phase 2 launched?

Phase 2 was launched on 14 October 2026 by CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz in Lahore through a digital card swipe ceremony.

How much loan does a farmer get per animal?

Rs27,000 per animal. A farmer with 20 animals can get up to Rs540,000 as an interest-free loan.

Is the Livestock Card loan really interest-free?

Yes. The farmer returns only the original amount. The interest is paid by the Punjab government.

How can I register for Phase 2?

Send an SMS with “PLC” and your CNIC number to 8070, or apply online at plc.punjab.gov.pk. Cards are collected from Bank of Punjab branches.