The Zarkhez-e Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme has received a major boost as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) approved HBL Zarai Services Limited as an Agricultural Services Provider, enabling structured in-kind agricultural financing to improve transparency, productivity, and farmer incomes.
HBL Zarai Approved Under Zarkhez-e Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme
Karachi: The State Bank of Pakistan, through the Pakistan Banks Association, has conveyed its no-objection to onboarding HBL Zarai Services Limited (HBL Zarai) as an approved Agricultural Services Provider (ASP) under the Zarkhez-e Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme.
This approval allows participating banks to facilitate structured in-kind agricultural financing, replacing traditional cash disbursement with direct access to approved agricultural services.
How the Zarkhez-e Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme Works
Under the Zarkhez-e Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme, financing is utilized strictly for productive farm activities. Farmers receive direct access to essential services including quality seeds, fertilizers, agronomic advisory, mechanization, and market linkage, ensuring transparency and reducing misuse of funds.
SBP Emphasises Transparency and Productivity
Deputy Governor SBP Saleem Ullah stated that the Zarkhez-e Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme is designed to ensure productive deployment of agricultural credit.
He said the scheme enhances oversight, improves outcomes for farmers, and strengthens the effectiveness of agricultural financing through approved service providers.
HBL Zarai’s End-to-End Agricultural Services Model
As an approved ASP under the Zarkhez-e Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme, HBL Zarai will provide a comprehensive end-to-end agriculture services platform. Farmers can utilize financing limits at HBL Zarai locations for inputs, advisory, mechanization on a pay-per-use basis, and structured crop off-take with transparent pricing and documented payments.
This closed-loop system links financing with production and market outcomes, ensuring responsible use of agricultural credit.
Banking Sector Welcomes Integrated ASP Model
Chairman Pakistan Banks Association Zafar Masud said that onboarding integrated Agricultural Services Providers under the Zarkhez-e Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme enables banks to collaborate with credible execution partners and promotes responsible agricultural financing.
First Non-Financial Banking Subsidiary Approved as ASP
HBL Zarai is the first non-financial subsidiary of a banking group in Pakistan to be approved as an ASP under a national agricultural financing scheme. It is also the largest ASP in terms of service breadth, operating through Zarai Deras and Zarai Dost Shops across Punjab and Sindh.
HBL Zarai CEO Highlights Farmer-Centric Vision
HBL Zarai CEO Amer Aziz said the approval reflects confidence in the company’s execution-driven model, aimed at converting agricultural finance into real productivity, transparency, and improved farmer incomes.
Banks Begin Engagement After Approval
Following approval under the Zarkhez-e Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme, several banks have initiated discussions with HBL Zarai to operationalize in-kind financing, focusing on system integration and seamless transaction mechanisms.
FAQs – Zarkhez-e Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme
What is the Zarkhez-e Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme?
It is an SBP-led initiative providing structured in-kind agricultural financing to ensure productive use of credit.
What role will HBL Zarai play under the scheme?
HBL Zarai will deliver integrated agricultural services including inputs, advisory, mechanization, and market access.
How does in-kind financing benefit farmers?
It reduces fund misuse, improves monitoring, and ensures credit is used strictly for farming needs.
Which areas will benefit from HBL Zarai services?
Farmers across Punjab and Sindh through Zarai Deras and Zarai Dost Shops.