About the Pashu Kisan Credit Card scheme
The Pashu Kisan Credit Card (PKCC) was rolled out nationally in 2018-19 as an extension of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme. Before PKCC, farmers could only get subsidised credit for crop-related needs. Livestock-rearing farmers — who are just as dependent on working capital for feed, medicine and vaccinations — were largely excluded.
PKCC fixes that by providing collateral-free working capital loans up to ₹1,60,000 to any farmer who owns livestock (cows, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, or fish). The loan can be used for purchasing feed, veterinary costs, minor shed repairs, or emergency expenses.
How the eligibility is calculated
NABARD publishes an indicative "unit cost" for each animal — the approximate market value. The loan amount is ~75% of that unit cost per animal, subject to the overall cap. So if you own 2 crossbred cows (unit cost ₹80,000 each), your entitlement is 2 × ₹60,249 = ₹1,20,498. Add one buffalo (₹80,100) and you're over the ₹1.6 lakh collateral-free cap.
Interest rate and repayment
The base interest rate is 7% per annum. The government provides a 2% interest subvention (bank gets 2% less, passes it on to you), and if you repay on time, a further 3% prompt-payment incentive. Effective rate = 7 − 2 − 3 = 4% per annum, which is far below any commercial loan. Some states add a 1% subvention on top, bringing it to 3%.
Repayment is over up to 5 years with flexibility built into the scheme. The card also acts like an overdraft — you can draw and repay as needed up to your sanctioned limit.
How to apply
1. Visit your nearest public sector bank, cooperative bank, or regional rural bank branch. SBI, PNB, BoB, Canara and most cooperative banks run the scheme. 2. Ask for the "Pashu Kisan Credit Card" or "KCC for livestock" application form. 3. Submit along with Aadhaar, PAN, land ownership or tenant declaration, livestock proof, photographs, and bank passbook. 4. The bank verifies livestock count (often through the local vet or animal husbandry officer). 5. Loan is sanctioned in 15-30 days. The card can be used like a debit card/overdraft up to the sanctioned limit.
Tips to maximise your eligibility
- Get your animals ear-tagged and vaccinated. A vet certificate showing animal count is often the easiest way to prove livestock ownership.
- Maintain a clean CIBIL score. Even though PKCC is collateral-free, banks check your credit history.
- Bundle PKCC with a dairy plus Kisan account — banks often give faster processing if you already hold an account with them.
- Repay on time to earn the 3% prompt-payment incentive — that turns a 7% loan into a 4% loan.
Disclaimer: This calculator uses indicative unit costs from publicly available NABARD and scheme documents. Actual loan amounts, rates and eligibility are determined by the sanctioning bank. Always cross-check at your local branch before making decisions.