Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the launch of the Kisan Card in Punjab within a remarkable six-month timeframe. She revealed plans to increase the number of Kisan Cards from 500,000 to 750,000 and provide free laser levelers to farmers cultivating between 12.5 and 25 acres.

Additionally, the CM disclosed that farmers with over 25 acres would receive free tractors and that agricultural machinery would be available for rent at no profit to the farmers. The number of Kisan Card dealers is set to rise to 3,000.

During a ceremony in Hafizabad, the Chief Minister personally distributed Kisan Cards to farmers and expressed her congratulations, emphasizing that the government is delivering on its promises with a Rs 400 billion initiative for Punjab’s farmers. In just six months, around ten farmer projects have been activated, marking the first time Kisan Cards valued at Rs 150 billion have been issued in Punjab’s history.

“The trend of agriculture and wheat cultivation in Punjab is increasing. Inflated electricity bills reduce the farmer’s profit. I have assigned the task of cultivating vegetables in every city. People only raised slogans for farmers and PML-N did substantial work for the farmers. The stock exchange has now reached 9100 index because of Nawaz Sharif’s government. I want bread and flour to be available to the people at cheap rates and farmers should also get profit,” she said.

What is Kissan Card?

Kisan Cards are provided to registered farmers to help them access various government schemes, including subsidies, loans, and insurance. With this card, farmers can conveniently use it at ATMs or make purchases directly at fertilizer dealer shops.

The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) offers comprehensive digital support for the program, starting with the registration of farmers and managing entries through the district administration. PITB also maintains a dedicated dashboard to address farmers’ subsidy requests.

The Punjab government has started registration of farmers under the “Chief Minister’s Kissan Card” scheme from June 01, 2024, to provide interest-free agricultural loans.

How does it work?

Farmers can apply for a Kissan Card at any HBL Konnect retailer shop (current vendor) after opening a biometric-enabled mobile account (L-1).

Once the mobile wallet (MW) or mobile account (MA) is successfully set up, farmers can purchase the Kisan Card bundle for Rs. 500.

The co-branded Kisan Card will then be delivered to the agriculture office within 15-20 days, and farmers can collect it from the Agriculture Tehsil Office after completing the necessary verification.

Who should apply?

The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• All farmers with land holding up to 12.5 acres will be eligible.

• The farmer must register his mobile SIM with his own CNIC (PMD-verified).

• Farmers who own land and whose land record is available in PLRA will be entitled to loan.

• Farmers who does not have any active loans from banks.

How to Get a Kisan Card in Punjab?

• Visit the Nearest Bank or Agricultural Office: Visit a bank branch participating in the Kisan Card scheme or an agricultural office.

• Provide Required Documents: Submit necessary documents, including your CNIC, proof of land ownership (if applicable), and any other documents requested by the authorities.

• Verification Process: Your details will be verified by the authorities. The Kisan Card will be issued if you meet the eligibility criteria.

• Receive Your Card: After verification, you will be issued a Kisan Card which can be used for various agricultural benefits, subsidies, and financial support.