Farming can be challenging in Pakistan, particularly when accessing financial support. The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) aims to address this by offering farmers quick access to loans for essential inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. This government-backed initiative streamlines loan processing so farmers can focus on what matters most–growing their crops!

Whether you are a small-scale farmer or a large landowner alike, Kisan Card helps reduce costs, improve productivity, and make farming more profitable – let’s explore what benefits this scheme could bring you and how you can get it today!

Launched by the government in 1998, this initiative gives farmers access to credit for agricultural needs. Farmers can secure loans for essential inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides and access cash withdrawals to cover production costs.

Managed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) in cooperation with key financial institutions like the Bank of Punjab (BOP) and Habib Bank Limited (HBL), this initiative ensures transparency and ease in financial transactions for farmers. Over time, this program under Ehsaas 8171 program has expanded to cover loans for dairy farming and interest subventions, making it an indispensable tool for them.

Several Pakistan institutions have been distributing Kisan credit cards to agriculturalists. These banks with loans to purchase agricultural equipment like fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and other farming-related operations. Here are the top banks that are part of the Kisan Credit Card scheme in Pakistan:

1. National Bank of Pakistan (NBP): NBP is one of the most reputable banks offering Kisan Credit Cards to farmers nationwide. The bank provides a variety of loans for agriculture which include seasonal and short-term loans.
2. Bank of Punjab (BOP): The Bank of Punjab is actively involved with the Kisan Credit Card scheme. They provide custom credit solutions, such as loans for farmers in Punjab and facilitating access to funds for farming inputs.
3. Faysal Bank: Faysal Bank is another major Kisan Credit Card scheme participant. The bank offers loan options for farmers to purchase fertilizers and seeds and cover other farm expenses.
4. United Bank Limited (UBL): UBL also offers the Kisan Credit Card for farmers, which helps them access financial aid for their agricultural endeavors. UBL’s KCC program was created to guarantee financial inclusion for small and medium-scale farmers.
5. First Women Bank Limited (FWBL): FWBL offers Kisan Credit Cards exclusively to female farmers living in rural areas, allowing them to obtain loans for agricultural use and enhance their agriculture practices.
6. Bank Alfalah: Bank Alfalah also participates in the Kisan Credit Card scheme. The program offers farmers loans, focusing on increasing agricultural production productivity and ensuring prompt access to financial aid.
7. Microfinance Banks: Apart from the public and commercial banks, some microfinance institutions such as FINCA Microfinance Bank and U Microfinance Bank also offer Kisan Credit Card, especially for small-scale farmers in rural areas that require small loans with flexible repayment conditions.

They are accountable for disbursing the Kisan Credit Card, confirming farmers’ eligibility, and ensuring that farmers have access to the funds they need to increase their crops, increase productivity, and enhance their lives.

This scheme has been established with one major aim: supporting farmers and improving agricultural activities. Here’s what Kisan Card intends to accomplish:

• Fair and Efficient Financial Support: One of the primary goals of the Kisan Card is to facilitate equitable financial support for farmers by making it easier to access credit and government subsidies.
• Furthermore, to boost agricultural productivity further, the Kisan Card helps farmers secure loans to purchase essential inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides – vital elements that make agriculture sustainable and productive.
• Enhancing Farmer Income: Through offering low-interest loans and financial support, the Kisan Card helps increase farmer income.

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is available to many farmers who fulfill certain requirements. Who can apply:

• Owner Farmers: Farmers who own their land are eligible to make an application for a Kisan Card. If they farm as a single farmer or a co-borrower can be eligible to apply for the program.
• Tenant farmers & sharecroppers: Those who don’t have land but work on another’s land, for instance, oral lessees, tenant farmers, and sharecroppers, are also qualified to receive a Kisan Card.
• Farmer Groups: Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), which include tenant farmers and sharecroppers, are also eligible. This allows smaller farmers, or those who work together, to get credit.

To be eligible for the Kisan Card, the farmer must meet the following criteria:

• Landholding: Farmers with property ranging from 1 acre to 12.5 acres can be considered for the Kisan Card.
• Cell Number Registration: Farmers should possess a mobile number registered in their name and CNIC to ensure that they are properly identified.
• The Land Record Verification Process: Land ownership must be confirmed through official government records such as those provided by the Punjab Land Record Authority (PLRA).
• No pending loans: Farmers shouldn’t have pending debts or financial defaults with financial institutions or banks.

Before applying for the Kisan card, you must satisfy the eligibility requirements. Once you have met the criteria, complete the required documents and apply to be registered.

To apply with the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), farmers must provide the required documents:

• KCC Application Form: The official form for loan applications.
• Passport-size Photos: Two recent passport-size photographs.
• ID Proof: Identification documents such as an Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, voter identification card, or driving license.
• Address Verification: Aadhaar card or driving license to verify the address.
• Land Ownership Certificate: A landholding certificate certified by the revenue authorities.
• Crop Information: Information about the crop grown and the acreage.
• Security Documents: In the case of loans exceeding 3 lakhs, or more than Rs. 3 lakhs, Additional security documents might be required.
• Additional documents: All additional documentation required by the institution.

The registration process online to apply for a Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is easy and can be completed at the convenience of your own home. Here’s how to sign up:

• SMS Registration: Send an SMS with the number 8070 and include your CNIC number in the form ‘PKC [space*] [your CNIC number.’ This will start your registration.
• Create a Mobile wallet: After you’ve sent the SMS, you’ll have to create a biometric-enabled mobile wallet from every HBL Konnect retail store. The wallet will help you control your financial transactions in the scheme.
• Buy The Kisan Token Bundle: Once your mobile wallet has been installed, you can buy your Kisan Token Bundle for PKR 500. This is the only way to finish the registration.
• Complete the online application. Go to the official portal or the neighborhood Tehsil Office to fill out the application online. Check that all the necessary documents are prepared to submit.
• Verification Check: Government databases like NADRA, PLRA, and PMD will check your CNIC land ownership and mobile SIM information.
• Submit the Application Form: After filling out the online application and completing the required steps, send your application to be reviewed for final approval.
• Card Issue: You’ll be sent an SMS confirmation when your application is accepted. Your Kisan Card will be sent to your Tehsil Office, where you can collect it.

If you’d prefer to complete it online, go to the neighborhood Tehsil Office and follow these steps:

• Go to the Tehsil Office: Go to the district office for agriculture to begin the registration process.
• Present Your Documents to the person at the office, and they will take the documents you need, like identification proof and landholding documents.
• Document Verification: A representative will examine your documents and send documents to the Punjab Government for further processing.
• Application Processing: After your documents are checked, the application will be evaluated, and if you’re deemed eligible, your Kisan Card will be processed.
• Card Collection: You’ll be notified by SMS when the Kisan Card is ready for collection. Visit Your Tehsil Office to collect it.

If you’ve completed your registration and would like to determine if you are qualified to apply for a Kisan Card or not, you can take these steps:

1. Access the message center within your mobile.
2. Enter the National Identity Card (CNIC) number.
3. Send it to 8070.
4. Check that you have enough cash to allow for the SMS for the message to go out.

The recipient will get an SMS to confirm your eligibility if you’re eligible. You may take the Kisan Card from the Tehsil Office within 15 to 20 days if approved.

The rate of interest on Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans in Pakistan generally follows these general guidelines.

• Loans up to Rs. 3 lakh. The average interest rate is 7.7% per annum. However, the rate could fluctuate based on the institution providing the KCC and the government programs for interest subvention.
• Credits over more than Rs. 3 lakh The interest rates for these loans are typically higher but depend on the market conditions or bank-specific rules. Rates range between 7% and 13%, depending upon the institution’s policies and current conditions.

The Kisan Credit Card scheme gives farmers the ability to manage their finances efficiently. With transparent registration procedures and easy access to credit and assistance from the top banks in Pakistan, farmers can advance their farming practices to a higher level. By cutting down on their financial obligations, increasing access to inputs, and offering affordable loans, Kisan Card is paving the way to a more profitable and sustainable farming future.