Islamabad, Pakistan – September 24, 2024: HBL Zarai Services Limited (HZSL) and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance financial inclusion and provide modern agricultural services to farmers across Pakistan. This strategic collaboration aims to deliver innovative financial solutions, mechanization support, and expert advisory services to improve farm productivity and economic stability.
Under the agreement, HZSL and ZTBL will integrate their platforms—‘HBL Zarai Deras’ and ‘ZTBL Zarai Baithaks’—as comprehensive hubs for agronomic guidance, financial services, and farm mechanization support. ZTBL will also refer farmers who could benefit from HBL Zarai’s agricultural services, ensuring a seamless approach to modernizing Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
Farmer-Centric Financial Solutions
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Amer Aziz, CEO of HBL Zarai Services Limited, emphasized the importance of adopting a farmer-centric approach to financial services. He highlighted HBL Zarai’s integrated model, which 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,” Mr. Aziz stated. He also noted that HBL Zarai provides farm inputs, mechanization services, and agro-advisory, reducing post-harvest losses by 15-20% through the use of modern and efficient harvesters, enhancing farm efficiency.
ZTBL’s Commitment to Rural Development
During the event, 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 disbursed Rs. 37 billion in agricultural loans, including Rs. 12 billion for farm mechanization, through its extensive network of over 500 branches in rural, underserved, and unbanked areas.
Mr. Bhatti also introduced key ZTBL initiatives, such as the ‘ZTBL Zarai Baithak’—an engagement platform offering expert advisory services—and the ‘ZTBL Mobile Van Service’, which delivers 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.
A Shared Vision for Agricultural Transformation
This partnership reflects 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 seeks to enhance productivity, increase access to mechanization, and ensure long-term economic growth for smallholder farmers in Pakistan.
