PM Shehbaz Sharif Orders Reforms to Make Low-Cost Agricultural Loans More Accessible to Small Farmers
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed immediate action to simplify and expand access to low-interest agricultural loans for small and medium-sized farmers. The move aims to boost agricultural productivity and support the livelihoods of Pakistan’s rural population.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to treat small farmers with dignity and provide them with easy access to affordable credit. He highlighted that financial support for the agriculture sector is one of the government’s top priorities.
“Small-scale farmers face serious hurdles in accessing affordable financing. We must make the process easier and more respectful for them,” the Prime Minister said, according to a statement from the PM Office.
Key Directives Issued:
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Urgent reforms at Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL): The PM instructed authorities to accelerate restructuring efforts at ZTBL to better serve farmers.
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Involvement of private banks: Banks across the country have been encouraged to offer concessional loans to the agricultural sector.
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Regular monitoring: The Prime Minister will personally oversee progress by chairing review meetings every three weeks.
Government’s Focus on Agriculture
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering small farmers through financial inclusion, institutional support, and practical reforms. He stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and deserves dedicated attention.
Key Attendees at the Meeting
The meeting included top government officials and financial leaders such as:
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Federal Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain and Ahsan Iqbal
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PM’s Advisors Muhammad Ali and Haroon Akhtar
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Ministers of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and Abdul Rehman Kanju
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State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad
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MNA Iftikhar Nazir
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PM’s Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi
Officials provided detailed briefings on ZTBL’s ongoing reforms, the bank’s performance, and strategies to improve agricultural lending. The role of private banks in expanding credit access to the agriculture sector was also discussed.
The government aims to ensure greater financial access, transparency, and efficiency in agricultural lending as part of its broader economic development agenda.
