Benazir Hari Card 2025: Wheat Subsidy Payment Confirmed
Empowering Sindh’s Farmers: The Benazir Hari Card Initiative
The Benazir Hari Card Program is a flagship welfare initiative of the Government of Sindh, managed by the Agriculture Department, aimed at digitally empowering and providing direct financial support to small and marginal farmers across the province. The recent confirmation of the Wheat Subsidy Payment marks a critical milestone in the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and ensuring food security.
The core objective of the Benazir Hari Card is to streamline the distribution of agricultural subsidies, facilitate access to essential resources, and enhance financial inclusion for farming communities, particularly those owning land between 1 and 25 acres.
I. Understanding the Wheat Cultivation Support Program
The recent financial disbursement relates to the comprehensive Wheat Cultivation Support Programme launched by the Sindh Government. This program is designed to mitigate the financial burden on small growers caused by rising input costs, thereby encouraging greater wheat production—a vital step for Pakistan’s food security.
1.1 The Subsidy Payment Announcement
The official SMS notification, sent via the designated government short code (e.g., 8987), confirms that the financial assistance has been deposited into the registered bank accounts linked with the Benazir Hari Card.
- Recipient: Registered Hari Card holders (small and marginal farmers).
- Purpose: Financial aid/subsidy for wheat cultivation costs (primarily fertilizer and seeds).
- Disbursement Bank: The amount is credited directly to the farmer’s account, typically maintained with Sindh Bank or a partner financial institution.
1.2 Key Financial Components of the Program
The subsidy package for wheat growers is substantial and targets crucial inputs:
| Input | Financial Benefit (Per Acre) | Disbursement Method |
| Fertilizer Subsidy (DAP & Urea) | Direct cash assistance for purchasing specific bags of DAP and Urea. | Credited to the Hari Card/Sindh Bank account after field verification. |
| Support Price | Ensures a guaranteed minimum rate (e.g., Rs. 3,500 per 40kg) for the farmer’s wheat produce. | Guaranteed procurement by the Food Department. |
| Interest-Free Loans | Access to soft loans for farming expenses via the Hari Card system. | Financial services provided through Sindh Bank. |
II. How to Access the Wheat Subsidy Funds
The primary advantage of the Benazir Hari Card is the digital and transparent disbursement mechanism. Farmers no longer rely on traditional, manual methods.
2.1 Checking the Account Balance
Farmers can check the status of the deposited wheat subsidy funds using the following methods:
- Sindh Bank ATM: Use the Benazir Hari Card at any Sindh Bank ATM or designated partner bank ATM to check the balance.
- Biometric Verification: Visit a designated Bank Branch or payment point for a biometric verification and balance inquiry.
- Bank Alert: The official SMS alert confirms the successful deposit. Further confirmation can be made via the bank’s contact services.
2.2 Steps to Withdraw the Subsidy
- Locate ATM/Branch: Find the nearest Sindh Bank ATM or branch.
- Use Hari Card: Insert the Benazir Hari Card (which functions as an ATM card).
- Enter PIN: Enter the secret PIN associated with the card.
- Withdraw Cash: Select the withdrawal option to access the deposited subsidy amount.
III. Eligibility and Registration for Benazir Hari Card
To benefit from future subsidy schemes like this, small farmers who are not yet registered must enroll in the program.
3.1 Key Eligibility Criteria
The program is specifically designed to uplift small-scale growers in Sindh:
- Applicant: Must be a Pakistani citizen and a resident of Sindh Province.
- Landholding: Priority is given to farmers owning between 1 and 25 acres of agricultural land.
- Registration: Must possess valid land ownership documents (e.g., Form VII or Registry).
3.2 Online Registration Process
Farmers can register via the official digital portal to secure their Hari Card:
- Visit the Registration Portal: Access the dedicated online portal at
cms.benazirharicard.gos.pk. - Enter Details: Provide personal information, including Name, CNIC, Mobile Number, and detailed land ownership information (Survey Number, District, Taluka).
- Upload Documents: Upload clear digital copies of the CNIC (Front & Back) and mandatory land documents (Form VII or other land records).
- Submission: Submit the form for verification by the Agriculture Department officials.
IV. Top Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the Benazir Hari Card?
A: The Benazir Hari Card is a digital identity card issued by the Sindh Agriculture Department to registered small and marginal farmers. It serves as a medium for receiving government subsidies (like the wheat subsidy), accessing interest-free agricultural loans, and utilizing basic banking services through Sindh Bank.
Q2: Which bank is the Benazir Hari Card linked with?
A: The Benazir Hari Card is primarily linked with accounts managed by Sindh Bank, which handles the direct cash disbursement of subsidies and loans to the farmers.
Q3: What should I do if I received the SMS but cannot withdraw the money?
A: If you received the SMS confirmation but face withdrawal issues:
- Check ATM: Try a different Sindh Bank ATM.
- Verify Biometrics: Visit your nearest Sindh Bank branch for a biometric verification to ensure your CNIC and fingerprint data are correctly linked to your card.
- Contact Helpline: Use the official program helpline for technical assistance.
Q4: How much is the wheat subsidy amount?
A: The exact per-acre subsidy amount is determined by the government’s current package (e.g., the value of the free DAP and Urea bags offered). Farmers should contact the nearest Agriculture Department Office or Sindh Bank branch for precise, personalized information regarding the amount credited to their specific landholding.
Q5: Is the Benazir Hari Card only for wheat growers?
A: No. While the current disbursement is for the Wheat Support Programme, the Hari Card scheme provides ongoing support, including subsidies for various seeds and fertilizers (like DAP and Urea) for both Kharif and Rabi crops, along with access to loans and other farm mechanization subsidies.
