Livestock farming is a major source of income for millions of farmers in India. However, many small and marginal farmers struggle with financial support for buying cattle, feed, medicines, and infrastructure. To help them, the Government of India introduced the Pashu Kisan Credit Card (PKCC), a special credit scheme for livestock farmers.
This article explains what the Pashu Kisan Credit Card is, its benefits, loan amounts, eligibility, application process, and repayment details.
Table of Contents
1. What is Pashu Kisan Credit Card (PKCC)?
The Pashu Kisan Credit Card is a loan scheme designed for livestock farmers, similar to the Kisan Credit Card (KCC). It provides easy and low-interest loans to help farmers buy and maintain animals such as cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, poultry, and pigs.
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Key Features of Pashu Kisan Credit Card:
- Farmers can get loans up to ₹3 lakh
- Low interest rate of 4 percent per year (with government subsidy)
- No collateral required for loans up to ₹1.6 lakh
- Loan amount depends on the number and type of animals owned
- Repayment period of up to five years
2. How Much Loan Can Farmers Get?
The loan amount under PKCC depends on the type of livestock a farmer owns. Below is the loan amount per animal:
| Animal Type | Loan Amount per Animal (₹) |
|---|---|
| Cow | 40,783 |
| Buffalo | 60,249 |
| Sheep/Goat | 4,063 |
| Pig | 16,337 |
| Poultry (per hen) | 720 |
A farmer with multiple animals can get a higher loan amount.
3. Benefits of Pashu Kisan Credit Card
- Financial support for buying cattle, feed, medicines, and farm equipment
- Low-interest rates compared to regular loans
- No collateral required for loans up to ₹1.6 lakh
- Flexible repayment over five years
- Helps in expanding dairy, poultry, and animal husbandry businesses
4. Who Can Apply for Pashu Kisan Credit Card?
Eligible Farmers:
- Small and marginal farmers engaged in livestock farming
- Dairy farmers, poultry farmers, and fish farmers
- Members of self-help groups (SHGs) or cooperatives
Not Eligible:
- Farmers not involved in animal husbandry or dairy farming
- Large commercial livestock farm owners
- People with a history of loan defaults
5. How to Apply for Pashu Kisan Credit Card?
Farmers can apply for a PKCC loan at banks or Common Service Centers (CSCs).
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Visit the nearest bank (SBI, PNB, HDFC, ICICI, or cooperative banks).
- Collect the application form for Pashu Kisan Credit Card.
- Submit required documents (Aadhaar, land ownership proof, animal details, and bank passbook).
- Bank officials verify details and conduct a field visit.
- Loan is sanctioned and amount credited to the farmer’s bank account.
Farmers can also apply online through their state government’s agriculture or animal husbandry department websites.
6. Required Documents for PKCC Application
| Document Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity proof |
| Land Ownership Papers | Proof of farming activity |
| Bank Passbook | For direct loan transfer |
| Animal Health Certificate | Proof of livestock ownership |
| Domicile Certificate | To verify residence |
7. How to Repay the Loan?
- Farmers can repay in flexible installments within five years.
- Interest rates start at 7 percent, but with a government subsidy, farmers pay only 4 percent.
- On-time repayment allows farmers to get future loans easily.
8. How Pashu Kisan Credit Card Helps Farmers?
- Boosts Dairy Farming: Helps farmers buy more cows and buffaloes for milk production.
- Improves Animal Health: Provides funds for veterinary care and medicines.
- Encourages Poultry Farming: Helps small farmers start egg and chicken farming.
- Reduces Dependence on Moneylenders: Farmers get low-interest loans from banks instead of taking high-interest loans from private lenders.
9. List of Banks Offering Pashu Kisan Credit Card
| Bank Name | Loan Availability |
|---|---|
| State Bank of India (SBI) | Available |
| Punjab National Bank (PNB) | Available |
| HDFC Bank | Available |
| ICICI Bank | Available |
| Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) | Available |
| Cooperative Banks | Available |
Farmers should check with their local bank branch for PKCC availability and processing time.
The Pashu Kisan Credit Card (PKCC) is a major financial support system for livestock farmers in India. It helps farmers buy and maintain their animals, expand their dairy and poultry businesses, and improve animal healthcare.
With low-interest loans, flexible repayment, and government support, PKCC is truly a boon for livestock farmers.
If you are a livestock farmer, apply for the Pashu Kisan Credit Card today to get financial assistance for your farm.
Would you like help with the application process or checking your eligibility? Let me know.
