Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has officially launched Phase Two of the Punjab Kisan Card initiative. If you have not yet applied for your Kisan Card, this is the perfect time because the eligibility criteria and loan limits have now been expanded for farmers across Punjab.
What Was in Phase One?
In the first phase of the Punjab Kisan Card, there were certain limitations:
- Land ownership limit: Up to 12.5 acres
- Loan limit: Up to Rs. 150,000 (for 5 acres)
- Service charges: Banks were deducting Rs. 1,000 per acre, meaning farmers with 5 acres had to pay Rs. 5,000 as processing charges.
This meant that farmers who owned more land or did not want to pay service charges could not fully benefit from the scheme.
What’s New in Phase Two?
The Government of Punjab has now expanded the scope of the Kisan Card to benefit more farmers:
1. Land Limit Increased to 25 Acres
Farmers owning up to 25 acres of land are now eligible to apply.
2. Loan Amount Increased
The loan limit has been increased from Rs. 150,000 to a higher amount (as per the new government guidelines).
3. No Service Charges or Processing Fees
All extra deductions have been completely removed.
- Kisan Card is now 100% free.
- No per-acre fee
- No processing fee
- No hidden charges
4. Interest-Free Loan
The loan remains totally interest-free. Farmers will not pay any markup or interest on the borrowed amount.
5. New Spending Facilities
In Phase 2, farmers can now:
- Withdraw 30% of the approved loan in cash
- Use 20% for diesel purchases
In Phase One, cash withdrawals were not allowed, and farmers could only purchase fertilizers and related items. Now the flexibility makes the scheme more beneficial.
Why Is the Kisan Card Important?
The Punjab Government has made the Kisan Card mandatory for all future agricultural subsidy programs.
Any scheme launched by the Agriculture Department will be linked to your Kisan Card.
Example: Wheat Support Program (Gandum Subsidy)
Recently, the government announced a Rs. 5,000 per acre subsidy for wheat.
Farmers who already had their Kisan Card received SMS notifications confirming subsidy disbursement.
Payments are available through any ATM starting May 22 for registered farmers.
Those without a Kisan Card will receive notifications later, after registration and verification.
How to Apply for the Punjab Kisan Card? (Very Simple)
You can apply in just one SMS.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open the messaging app on your registered mobile number
- (The SIM must be registered on your CNIC.)
- Type the message:
- PKC [space] Your CNIC number (without dashes)
- Example:
- PKC 0000000000000
- (You will type your actual CNIC number.)
- Send the message to: 8070
Requirements:
- Your SIM must be registered on your CNIC
- Keep a Rs. 3–4 balance to send the SMS
Once your application is successfully received, you will be notified on your mobile number when your Kisan Card is ready for collection from your Agriculture Office.
Final Words
The Punjab Kisan Card Phase Two is a significant step towards empowering farmers. With expanded land limits, increased loan amounts, zero charges, cash withdrawal options, and diesel purchase facilities, the government aims to support agricultural growth across the province.
If you are a farmer, make sure you apply immediately to benefit from upcoming subsidy programs and financial support schemes.
