Government Launches “Zarkhaizi” Digital App to Expand Farmers’ Access to Agricultural Loans and Advisory Services

Islamabad: The Finance Division of the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA), has launched a modern digital platform, “Zarkhaizi,” aimed at transforming agricultural financing across the country.

The initiative seeks to digitize agricultural finance by enabling farmers to apply online through the Zarkhaizi app and access loans of up to Rs 1 million. After the required verification, applications will be forwarded to the farmer’s bank of choice for processing. Seventy-five percent of the financing will be provided in the form of agricultural inputs through bank-approved vendors, ensuring the effective use of funds for farm productivity.

In addition to financing, farmers will receive agricultural advisory services through the Land Information Management System (LIMS). By combining financing, quality agricultural inputs, and expert guidance, the Zarkhaizi platform aims to enhance crop yields and overall agricultural productivity.

To encourage banks to extend financing to small farmers, the government has introduced a 10 percent first-loss coverage scheme along with an operational cost subsidy of Rs 10,000 per net increase in eligible borrowers.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said the Zarkhaizi app reflects the government’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion. He added that the initiative simplifies access to credit for small farmers and supports broader national goals of economic development and food security.

SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad termed the app a major step toward improving small farmers’ access to finance, stating that digitizing the loan process removes barriers and ensures timely, accessible, and productive formal credit. He also noted that Zarkhaizi would help promote digital payments in the rural economy.

Pakistan Banks’ Association Chairman Zafar Masud highlighted the collective role of the banking sector, reaffirming its commitment to the successful implementation of the app in close coordination with the Ministry of Finance and SBP. He said the use of modern technology and innovative credit assessment methods would help expand financing, particularly for small and landless farmers operating largely in the undocumented sector.

The Zarkhaizi app is now available for download on the Google Play Store. Farmers can also visit any nearby bank branch for assistance with digital onboarding and registration.