Livestock is not just cash to most of the rural households in Punjab, it is their lifeline. The small farmers rely on every cow or buffalo to get milk, income, and survive. Life is tough due to the increase in the cost of feeds and absence of veterinary services. This is why the Punjab Livestock Card was developed, not as a hand out, but as actual assistance.
This is a government sponsored card that has interest-free loans that enable farmers purchase animal feed, medications, and other animal essential needs. It is convenient, easy to use and made by people who need it the most.
In this guide, you can find out what is Livestock Card, and how to apply, and why it is important. This article is meant to you, in case you are a farmer or you support one.
What is a Livestock Card?
A Livestock Card is not a piece of plastic. It is an assurance of the Punjab government to its farmers. This card is a relief when feed is exhausted or a cow gets sick. No need to get loans on interest or borrowing money to shopkeepers.
The card was introduced by the Punjab Livestock Department in collaboration with the Bank of Punjab, and allows farmers to purchase approved animal feed, medicine and vaccines on interest-free credit. The government does not give money. Rather, it provides a direct access to what your animals really require and only through sellers who are verified.
This intelligent strategy safeguards the farmers against fraud and makes sure that animals are taken care of. Good food leads to good milk. Healthy animals spell good earnings. It is easy and it is effective.
In case you are keeping animals as a means of survival, then this card is not only useful but vital.
Key Benefits of the Livestock Card
It is a difficult task to take care of animals. You need to feed them, maintain them healthy, and meet the daily expenses which can exhaust any farmer. Livestock Card alters that.
The card provides you with interest-free credit, which can be utilized on feed, medicine, and vaccines, and you will not be bothered about the loan sharks and unreasonable rates.
It also links you up with reputable suppliers, hence your animals receive quality and safe products- no more guessing and expired drugs.
The card defrays your expenses. You repay in convenient monthly payments with the bank of punjab and this means no stress and more power.
Above all, it allows you to relax. You know you are able to cope with an emergency, maintain your animals healthy and defend your livelihood.
This card is a relief in actual breathing space to the families that live off their livestock; not just empty promises.
Eligibility Criteria for Livestock Card
It is not available to everyone and that is fine. Livestock Card is not meant to be used by the person who may misuse the system, but by the real farmers.
You have to be a resident of Punjab and have livestock as an occupation to apply. Owning between 1 to 5 animals (cows, buffaloes, goats) is already the right way.
You must also have a valid CNIC. That is the way they put you through. Lack of it will not take you far in your application.
You do not require land, large herd and bank balances. It is your day to day fight to take care of your animals that counts. This card is meant to be used by you in case you purchase feed out of your pocket.
But, you may not be approved in the event that you have defaulted on loans previously or you are already utilizing other loan schemes. That makes the system clean and fair.
In a nutshell: You are a small farmer and your animals are your life, then this card was created with you in mind.
How to Apply for the Livestock Card
Applying is simple — if you’re ready.
To apply to receive a Livestock Card, visit your local office of the Livestock Department first, or visit any branch of the Bank of Punjab. No agents and no shortcuts.
Request the registration form of the Livestock Card. Complete it truthfully. You will be required to have a copy of your CNIC, passport sized photographs and some document which will show that you have animals such as a vet slip or a vaccination certificate.
Then, you will be subjected to biometric verification. It is fast and meaningful. Your card system is connected with your fingerprints as a form of identification. This prevents fraud and safeguards your rights.
Then a livestock officer comes to your home or farm. They also count your animals and examine their state. This action determines whether you are eligible or not.
After the clearance, you will receive a Livestock Card in a few days. It is preloaded with credit that can be used only at authorized stores to buy animal feed, medicine or vaccines.
Start small. Build trust. Pay in time. Your credit increases that way and so does your peace of mind.
Livestock Card Verification Process
Verification makes a promise action. It blocks frauds and supports those who really need it.
Once you make an application, you get put into the database of the Punjab Livestock Department. It is not paper work but a working system.
Then a government veterinary officer is sent to the field. They do not take your word. They inspect your livestock, investigate their health and count them.
Once you have visited, the officer compares your biometrics with those in the possession of NADRA. In case the CNIC is not matching, the application is suspended. This will prevent the use of the card by another person.
When everything checks out, your file is said to be verified. It is after this that the Bank of Punjab issues your card. This is confirmed to you by call or SMS.
This may appear to be a harsh procedure, but it saves you, your rights and your future credit.
Documents Required for Livestock Card
You do not have to have a huge pile of papers. All you require is the minimal documents showing that you exist and that you own your animals.
First, carry your valid and current CNIC. Otherwise, this process is interrupted.
Then, carry two photos of passport size. These images will be put on your form and on your card.
You should also have evidence that the animals belong to you. This may be a vaccination slip or inspection slip by vet or a certificate by your local livestock officer.
Bring a domicile certificate, in case you have one. It is not a necessity, but it may help accelerate the process.
Have your papers neat, right and in order. Everything can be held up by one missing document.
Be ready and the system does not work against you.
How to Use the Livestock Card
When you finally receive the card, it seems like a little win. However, it is the proper use of it that makes a difference.
You are not able to take out cash. It is not the point. This card is associated with registered stores and sellers in which you purchase animal feed, drugs, and vaccines. Nothing but necessary livestock.
Simply swipe the card in the shop. The vendor puts in the price. You receive what you require. This is charged and your loan balance is automatically updated.
All the products you purchase are on a checked list. No counterfeit goods. No out-dated medication. This will translate into safer animals and improved outcomes.
You pay the sum in the monthly installments to the Bank of Punjab. No interest. Just discipline. Your next card may be blocked, in case you do. When you repay in time, you create trust and that trust gets you a bigger support in the future.
Make wise use of the card. Credit is not the only thing. It is a second opportunity to your farm.
Punjab Livestock Card Helpline & Contact Info
Questions come up. Problems happen. That’s why support matters.
If you need help, call the official toll-free helpline: 0800-78685. It connects you to the Punjab Livestock Department. The staff there guide you through applications, card issues, or vendor problems — all in simple language.
You can also visit your nearest Livestock Office. One is in most districts. Go in, tell them your issue and they will take care of it.
When you have difficulty with your bank account, say, to know how much loan you have or when you are supposed to make the next payment, call your local Bank of Punjab. The bank takes care of the financial aspect of your Punjab Livestock Card.
When you call, you should have your CNIC number and your card number. This saves time and allows the staff to locate your record fast.
Conclusion
Farming is not a profession; it is a livelihood, a source of pride and a way of life. It is not an easy day-to-day experience to those who rear animals. But now the assistance is nearer.
Punjab Livestock Card does not provide luxury. It provides relief. It provides food in times of need, medication when it counts and care without embarrassment.
The card is constructed in honor of the actual heroes of our disciplines, small farmers. No interests, no middlemen, and no hidden charges. It is a system which at last values the backbone of our economy.
Do not hesitate in case you or any of your acquaintances match the criteria. Go to your local Livestock Office, enquire and apply. It may alter your season- or even your life.
There are cases when a farmer only requires some help at the opportune moment. This card makes that moment nearer.
