CM Punjab Kisan Card 2026: Rs. 150,000 Interest-Free Agricultural Loan — Full Guide
The Punjab government launched the Kisan Card programme to provide small and medium scale farmers with access to interest-free credit for purchasing agricultural inputs. The card provides a credit facility of up to Rs. 150,000 per season, which farmers can use at registered agri-input shops to buy seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other farming supplies. The programme is managed through the Punjab Agriculture Department in partnership with the Bank of Punjab.
What Is the Kisan Card
The Kisan Card is a bank-issued credit card linked to a pre-approved agricultural finance limit. Unlike traditional bank loans that require extensive collateral and charge high interest rates, the Kisan Card provides a markup-free (interest-free) facility specifically for small farmers who own or cultivate up to 25 acres of land. The credit is usable only at designated agricultural input shops registered with the programme, which prevents misuse of the funds for non-agricultural purposes.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a farmer resident of Punjab
- Must own or cultivate land between 2 acres and 25 acres
- Must have a valid CNIC
- Land must be located in Punjab
- Must not have any outstanding agricultural loan defaults with any bank
- Land ownership or tenancy documents (Fard or lease agreement) must be available
How to Apply for Kisan Card
- Visit the Agriculture Department office: Go to your nearest district Agriculture Department office or Bank of Punjab branch designated for Kisan Card applications.
- Submit your documents: Bring your CNIC, land ownership record (Fard) or tenancy agreement, and a recent passport photograph.
- Complete verification: Agriculture Department field staff may visit your land to verify the details before the card is issued.
- Receive your card: Once approved, your Kisan Card is issued through the Bank of Punjab and activated for use at registered agri-input dealers.
- Use at registered shops: Take your card to any agri-input shop registered under the programme. The shopkeeper will process the transaction and you receive the inputs.
How Repayment Works
The credit facility is tied to the agricultural season. For Rabi crops, the repayment period runs from October to March. For Kharif crops, the period runs from April to September. Farmers repay the used amount after harvesting their crop within the season's repayment window. No interest or markup is charged as long as repayment is made within the agreed period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tenant farmers (bataidars) apply?
Yes. Tenant farmers who cultivate land under a formal or informal agreement are eligible if they can provide documentation of their cultivation arrangement along with the land owner's CNIC details.
Can I use the Kisan Card to purchase farm machinery?
No. The Kisan Card credit is limited to agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides available at registered shops. It cannot be used for machinery purchases or cash withdrawals.
What happens if I cannot repay on time?
Late repayment may result in suspension of the card for subsequent seasons. Persistent default can affect your eligibility for future agricultural credit facilities from government and banking institutions.