Islamabad, 30 May 2025: Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) has initiated a revolution to raise agricultural financing and spur rural development in Pakistan.
In 2025, the bank signed a number of strategic alliances, such as Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and HBL Zarai Services Limited.
Flagship Initiatives: Driving Sustainable Agricultural Growth
1. Financing Scheme for Agri Land Development through Alternate/Renewable Energy
ZTBL has launched a financing plan to help farmers adopt renewable energy solutions, including solar energy systems and biogas units.
The program has the objective of curbing dependence on costly energy sources, minimizing operational expenses, and improving agricultural productivity.
Qualified farmers can avail themselves of loans up to Rs. 2.5 million, featuring easy repayment terms and a 3% rebate in the case of timely repayment.
READ MORE: HBL, ZTBL Join Forces to Support Farmers
2. Digital Kissan Karobar Scheme (DKKS)
Identifying the opportunity in digital marketing, ZTBL introduced the DKKS to empower Gilgit-Baltistan farmers. The scheme allows the opening of virtual fruit stalls so that the produce can be sold online by farmers, minimizing post-harvest wastage, and generating more income.
Loans of up to Rs. 2.5 million are offered with a 10% borrower contribution and a five-year repayment term.
3. Khawateen Rozgar Scheme
To encourage women to engage in agriculture, ZTBL provides the Khawateen Rozgar Scheme with financial assistance to rural women for farming and non-farming purposes. The scheme provides loans of up to Rs. 0.5 million for secured loans and Rs. 25,000 for surety loans against a 10% contribution by the borrower and with adjustable repayment terms.
Progress and Growth: Empowering the Agricultural Sector
Strategic Partnerships and Capacity Building
In 2025, ZTBL entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with principal institutions such as the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and HBL Zarai Services Limited.
The purpose of these partnerships is to support innovative agricultural technology, mechanization, and advisory services from experts to farmers. ZTBL also conducted exposure visits and training for its employees to improve service delivery.
Financial Performance and Digital Transformation
ZTBL registered a profit of Rs. 3 billion during the first quarter of 2025, demonstrating its financial soundness.
Its use of digital solutions, such as mobile and online banking facilities, has reduced its operating costs and made access to it easier for customers. Aggressive risk management techniques have also enhanced its financial soundness.
READ MORE: HBL, ZTBL Join Forces to Support Farmers
Future Prospects: In Line with Budget 2025 and Beyond
Federal Budget 2025-26 Role
ZTBL will have a central role to play in the federal budget implementation for the 2025-26 year. The bank will act as a facilitator of concessional loan programs for small farmers and assist programs that serve to promote agricultural growth.
These efforts are in line with the government’s efforts to improve food security and rural development.
Move to Islamic Banking
In accordance with the directive of the government to do away with Riba-based banking, ZTBL has begun converting its branches to Islamic banking.
The bank aims to exchange 25 branches throughout the year, extending financial facilities and going along with Shariah-compliant observes.
With strategic efforts, strong treaties, and innovation focus, ZTBL continues to make stronger its position as one of the pillars of Pakistan’s agricultural finance sector, committed to empowering farmers and construction sustainable growth.
