Islamabad: The Finance Division, in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Pakistan Banks Association (PBA), has launched Zarkheze, a digital platform aimed at transforming agricultural financing in the country. The platform allows small farmers to digitally apply for loans of up to PKR 1 million through the Zarkheze app.
Under the initiative, 75 percent of the financing will be disbursed in kind for the purchase of agricultural inputs through pre-approved vendors affiliated with banks. Applications will undergo verification and agronomic assessments before submission to the farmer’s chosen bank for processing.
In addition to financing, Zarkheze will provide farmers with agri-advisory services through the Land Information Management System (LIMS), improving productivity and access to quality inputs. To encourage adoption, the government has provided a 10 percent first-loss coverage and an operational cost subsidy of PKR 10,000 per borrower for net increases in outstanding bank loans to small farmers.
Commenting on the launch, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said, “Zarkheze exemplifies our commitment to expanding financial inclusion. By facilitating access to formal credit for small farmers, this initiative supports rural development and national food security.”
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad added, “By digitising the credit journey, Zarkheze removes friction for small farmers, ensuring timely and accessible formal lending while promoting digital payments in the rural economy.”
PBA Chairman Zafar Masud highlighted the banking sector’s role, stating that banks are committed to streamlining processes and expanding outreach for smallholder farmers, including those operating in largely undocumented sectors.
The Zarkheze application is now available on the Google Play Store, and farmers can also visit their nearest bank branch for assistance with digital onboarding.
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