Pakistan launches Zarkheze digital platform to expand farm financing

Pakistan’s Finance Division, in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan and the Pakistan Banks Association, has launched Zarkheze, a digital platform aimed at transforming agricultural financing.

The initiative allows farmers to digitally apply for financing of up to PKR1 million through the Zarkheze mobile application.

After required verifications and agronomic assessments, applications are forwarded to the farmer’s chosen bank for processing, according to the Finance Division.

Under the program, 75% of the approved financing will be disbursed in kind for the purchase of agricultural inputs through banks’ pre-approved agri-vendors.

In addition to financing, farmers will receive agricultural advisory services through the Land Information Management System, or LIMS.

Officials said the Zarkheze product is designed not only to provide credit but also to improve productivity by ensuring access to quality inputs and advisory support.

To encourage banks to expand lending to small farmers, the government has introduced a 10% first loss coverage and an operational cost subsidy of PKR 10,000 per borrower.

The subsidy will apply to the net increase in outstanding borrowers of participating banks.

Finance and Revenue Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said the initiative reflects the government’s focus on financial inclusion.

“By facilitating access to formal credit for small farmers, this initiative supports the government’s broader objectives of rural development and national food security,” Aurangzeb said.

State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad described Zarkheze as a major step toward improving small farmers’ access to finance.

“By digitizing the credit journey, we are removing friction for small farmers and ensuring that formal lending is accessible and timely,” Ahmad said.

He added that the platform would also support efforts to promote digital payments in the rural economy.

Pakistan Banks Association Chairman Zafar Masud said the banking sector remains committed to implementing the initiative nationwide.

He said banks would work with the Finance Ministry and the central bank to expand outreach and streamline processes, particularly for smallholder and landless farmers in largely undocumented sectors.

The Zarkheze application is now available for download on the Google Play Store.

Farmers may also visit their nearest bank branch for assistance with digital onboarding.