Livestock Card Phase 2: How Farmers Use the Rs27,000 Per Animal Loan

Phase II of the Punjab Livestock Card, launched on 14 October 2026, gives livestock farmers interest-free credit of Rs27,000 per animal to improve animal nutrition and raise meat production. The card works as a digital wallet rather than a cash handout: most of the credit is spent on feed and related inputs at registered dealers, while a quarter of the loan can be taken as cash. This guide explains exactly how farmers use the card, what it can be spent on, and how repayment works.

How the Card Works as a Digital Wallet

• Credit loaded on the card: After registration and verification, the approved loan is loaded onto the farmer’s Livestock Card, issued through the Bank of Punjab.
• Pay, do not borrow cash: The card is used to pay for inputs directly, so the credit goes into animal nutrition rather than general spending.
• Registered dealers only: Card purchases are made at dealers registered under the scheme, which keeps the spending inside the livestock supply chain.
• Government bears the interest: Farmers repay the principal amount, while the Punjab government bears the interest cost.

What You Can Buy With It

• Wanda (concentrated feed): The main permitted purchase is wanda, the concentrated animal feed at the heart of the fattening programme.
• Silage: Silage for animal feed can also be bought with the card at registered dealers.
• Mineral mixtures: Mineral mixtures, an essential part of balanced animal nutrition, are covered too.
• Other essential supplies: Launch reporting describes other essential livestock supplies as covered, so confirm any item beyond feed, silage and minerals with a registered dealer before purchase.

The 25% Cash Facility

• Up to a quarter in cash: Farmers can withdraw up to 25% of their approved loan as cash through ATMs.
• For labour and emergencies: The cash portion is meant for labour costs and emergency farm expenses that cannot be paid by card.
• Worked example: On a Rs135,000 loan for five animals, the maximum cash withdrawal would be Rs33,750.
• Use it for livestock needs: The cash facility is part of the livestock loan, so it should be spent on genuine farm needs.

Repayment: Principal Only

• Four-month fattening cycle: According to launch reporting, repayment follows a four-month fattening cycle.
• One-month grace period: The same reporting describes a one-month grace period after the fattening cycle.
• Principal repaid by farmers: Farmers repay the principal amount, with the government covering the interest.
• Strong repayment record: Earlier cycles of the scheme recorded a 96% recovery rate, which shows most farmers repaid on time.

Free Tagging and Vaccination

• Free animal tagging: Animals under the scheme receive free tagging, which supports verified ownership records.
• Free FMD vaccination: Free vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is also facilitated through the card.
• Healthier animals, better returns: Tagging and vaccination protect the animals the loan is invested in.
• Ask your veterinary officer: Farmers should confirm tagging and vaccination arrangements with their local veterinary officer or livestock facilitation centre.

Check Status and Get Help

• Official portal: Farmers can register and check details through the official portal at livestockcard.punjab.gov.pk.
• Helpline: A 24/7 helpline, 0800-09211, has been set up to assist livestock farmers.
• Livestock Connect Portal: Farmers are also linked with the Livestock Connect Portal, which connects them with meat exporters.
• What is not published: The department has not published a card fee or reload timetable for Phase II, so farmers should confirm balance and card-status questions through the portal or the helpline rather than relying on unofficial claims.

Conclusion

Livestock Card Phase II puts Rs27,000 per animal of interest-free credit into farmers’ hands, spent mainly on wanda, silage and mineral mixtures at registered dealers, with up to 25% available as ATM cash for labour and emergencies. Farmers repay the principal after a four-month fattening cycle plus a one-month grace period, while the government bears the interest. For balance or card-status questions, use the official portal or the 0800-09211 helpline, since the department has not published a card fee or reload timetable.

FAQs

How much loan does each animal give under Livestock Card Phase 2?
Rs27,000 per animal, interest-free, for farmers with 5 to 20 eligible animals.

What can the card be spent on?
Wanda (concentrated feed), silage and mineral mixtures at registered dealers, plus up to 25% of the loan as ATM cash for labour and emergencies.

How is the loan repaid?
Farmers repay the principal amount, the government bears the interest, and launch reporting describes a four-month fattening cycle followed by a one-month grace period.

Where can farmers get help with the card?
Through the official portal at livestockcard.punjab.gov.pk or the 24/7 helpline on 0800-09211.