The Punjab government s Farmers Card Program has achieved a major milestone, with 832,000 farmers across the province receiving Farmers Cards. Introduced to improve access to agricultural financing and essential farm inputs, the initiative is being regarded as a significant step toward modernizing the agricultural sector and reducing farmers dependence on informal lending sources.
According to official data, farmers enrolled in the program have already utilized agricultural loans exceeding Rs 25.4 billion through the Farmers Card system. The card enables growers to access credit and purchase essential agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, in a more transparent and convenient manner.
The impact of the scheme was particularly evident during the wheat cultivation season, when farmers purchased agricultural inputs worth approximately Rs 100 billion using the Farmers Card facility. The large volume of transactions highlights both the widespread adoption of the program and the growing confidence of farmers in formal financial support mechanisms. Government officials also reported encouraging repayment trends under the initiative.
Of the Rs 67 billion that was recoverable from around 538,000 farmers, an impressive 86 percent recovery rate was achieved. Farmers have repaid approximately Rs 57 billion in installments, reflecting a strong sense of financial responsibility and demonstrating the sustainability of the program. For the ongoing Kharif season, the Punjab government has expanded support under the Farmers Card Program by providing a financing facility worth Rs 90 billion.
Through this support package, approximately 300,000 farmers have already obtained agricultural inputs valued at Rs 30 billion, helping them prepare for seasonal crop cultivation and improve productivity.
Speaking about the initiative, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the Farmers Card Program is bringing meaningful and positive changes to the lives of farmers throughout the province. She emphasized that the initiative is helping growers gain direct access to financial resources, reducing their reliance on middlemen and commission agents who have traditionally played a dominant role in agricultural financing.
