Overview of the Kisan Card Initiative
Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has launched the Kisan Card initiative, aiming to enhance the productivity and prosperity of farmers in Punjab. This initiative involves the distribution of agricultural loans amounting to Rs 300 billion annually to farmers. Farmers owning up to 12.5 acres of agricultural land are eligible to benefit from this project.
Key Features of the Kisan Card Program
Eligibility and Application Process
To apply for the Kisan Card, the following criteria must be met:
- The land must be registered in the Land Record Center.
- The applicant’s mobile SIM must be registered against their own ID card number.
- The identity of the farmer will be verified by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
- The applicant must not be a defaulter of any financial institution.
Farmers can initiate their application by sending their ID card numbers to 8070 with the message ‘PKC Space’ from their registered mobile numbers.
Financial Benefits
The Kisan Card enables farmers to obtain an easy loan of up to Rs 150,000 for each crop season. This loan can be used to purchase fertilizers, seeds, and other agricultural inputs. The loan is interest-free and must be repaid within six months, after which farmers can apply for another loan for the next crop cycle.
Objectives and Outcomes of the Program
Objectives
The primary goals of the Kisan Card initiative are:
- To provide subsidies to farmers in a transparent and efficient manner.
- To increase agricultural productivity and production.
- To raise the income levels of farmers.
Outcomes
Since its implementation, the program has achieved significant milestones:
- Over Rs 10.865 billion in subsidies have been distributed to 970,882 farmers through CNIC-based e-voucher schemes and Kisan Cards for DAP fertilizer during FY 2021-22.
- Rs 219 million have been allocated for other phosphate fertilizers like SSP, NP, and NPKs, benefiting 207,313 farmers.
- Rs 441 million have been distributed for potash fertilizers (SOP and MOP) to 94,452 farmers.
- The registration of 848,105 farmers under the Kisan Card program is ongoing and improving daily.
- The program utilizes 2,200 HBL Konnect machines across Punjab for retailer-initiated transactions.
Promotional Campaigns
The government has launched extensive promotional campaigns for the Kisan Card program, including TV advertisements, newspaper articles, TV talk shows, and roadshows, creating national awareness and encouraging more farmers to register.
How to Apply for the Kisan Card Online
Farmers interested in the Kisan Card can follow these steps to apply online:
- Create a mobile wallet/account.
- Purchase the Kisan Token Bundle.
- Fill out the application form available at the Tehsil Office.
- Submit the required documents.
- Collect the Kisan Card from the Tehsil Office once notified.
Important Details
- More than 500,000 farmers will benefit from the Kisan Card.
- The card facilitates purchases of agricultural inputs and simplifies access to production loans.
- The government ensures the transparency and efficiency of the subsidy distribution process.
Quick Details
| Feature | Details |
| Loan Amount | Up to Rs 150,000 per crop season |
| Eligibility | Farmers owning up to 12.5 acres, land registered in Land Record Center |
| Verification | Identity verification by NADRA, must not be a defaulter |
| Application Process | Send ID card number to 8070 with message ‘PKC Space’ |
| Loan Repayment | Interest-free loan, repayable in six months |
| Usage of Kisan Card | Purchase fertilizers, seeds, and other agricultural inputs |
| Total Annual Loan Distribution | Rs 300 billion |
| Farmer Registration | 848,105 farmers registered so far |
| Promotional Efforts | TV, newspapers, TV talks, roadshows |
| HBL Konnect Machines | 2,200 machines utilized in Punjab for transactions |
The Kisan Card initiative by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is a significant step towards empowering farmers in Punjab, providing them with financial support and ensuring the growth and prosperity of the agricultural sector.