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ISLAMABAD: HBL Zarai Services Limited (HZSL) and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance financial inclusion and modern agricultural services for farmers across Pakistan. This strategic collaboration aims to provide farmers with innovative financial solutions, mechanization support, and expert advisory services to improve farm productivity and economic stability.
Under this collaboration, HZSL and ZTBL will utilize their respective platforms— ‘HBL Zarai Deras’ and ‘ZTBL Zarai Baithaks’—as integrated hubs to provide agronomic guidance, financial services, and farm mechanization support. ZTBL will also refer farmers who could benefit from HBL Zarai’s agricultural services, ensuring a streamlined approach to modernizing Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Amer Aziz, CEO of HBL Zarai Services Limited, emphasized the importance of a farmer-centric approach in financial services. He highlighted that HBL Zarai’s integrated model addresses farmers’ cash flow challenges through a buy-back business model, where farmers receive direct cash payments in exchange for their harvest. This ensures timely financial support, allowing farmers to reinvest in their next crop cycle without delays. Additionally, HBL Zarai provides farm inputs, mechanization services, and agro-advisory, reducing post-harvest losses by 15-20% through use of modern and efficient harvesters and increasing their farm efficiency.
During the signing session, President & CEO of ZTBL, Mr. Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, presented a documentary showcasing Pakistan’s agriculture sector and ZTBL’s pivotal role in supporting small and subsistence farmers. He highlighted that, under the PM Kissan Package, ZTBL has provided Rs. 37 billion in agricultural loans, including Rs. 12 billion for farm mechanization, through its extensive network of over 500 branches concentrated in rural, underserved, and unbanked areas. He also introduced ZTBL’s key initiatives, including ‘ZTBL Zarai Baithak’, which serves as a farmer engagement platform for expert advisory, and the ‘ZTBL Mobile Van Service’, designed to bring financial services and agro-advisory support to remote farming communities. Stressing the importance of expanding financial inclusion, he emphasized the need for banks to onboard New-to-Bank (NTB) customers and diversify their portfolios.
This partnership underscores HZSL and ZTBL’s shared commitment to empowering farmers through financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable agricultural practices. By integrating modern banking solutions with innovative farming techniques, the collaboration aims to enhance productivity, increase access to mechanization, and ensure long-term economic growth for smallholder farmers.
rafiq@biztoday.news
