Karachi, October 15, 2025 — The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially launched “Zarkhez-e,” a new digital platform aimed at improving access to collateral-free agricultural loans for small and marginalized farmers across the country.
Previously known as the National Subsistence Farmers Support Initiative (NSFSI), the program is part of the government’s broader Risk Coverage Scheme for Small Farmers and Underserved Areas and aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision to transform Pakistan’s agriculture sector through enhanced financial inclusion.
According to a circular issued by the Agriculture Credit & Financial Inclusion Department (ACFID) on October 14, 2025, Zarkhez-e has been developed in consultation with commercial banks and microfinance banks (MFBs) to provide an end-to-end digital solution for farmers. The platform enables subsistence farmers and tenants to apply for agricultural loans online without the need to visit bank branches.
Applications submitted via the platform are verified and assessed using the Land Information Management System (LIMS) before being forwarded to the applicant’s selected bank for processing.
A key feature of Zarkhez-e is that at least 75% of the financing is disbursed in-kind, covering essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and diesel through reputable agri-merchants onboarded by banks and MFBs. The remaining 25% may be provided in cash to cover other farming expenses. Additionally, farmers will receive agri-advisory services aimed at improving crop productivity.
Most banks and MFBs have already integrated their systems with the Zarkhez-e portal and LIMS, while others are being encouraged to complete integration to ensure a seamless nationwide rollout. The SBP has also introduced a standardized process flow to maintain consistency across the industry.
Under the scheme, financing for small and marginalized farmers will benefit from a 10% first loss coverage and an operational cost subsidy of Rs. 10,000 per borrower for net increases in outstanding borrowers.
The SBP has urged all banks and MFBs to fully leverage the Zarkhez-e platform to extend much-needed financial support to small farmers, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening agricultural productivity and promoting inclusive economic growth across Pakistan.
