What Is the Zarkhez Easy Agricultural Loan Scheme?
The Zarkhez (زراخیز) Easy Agricultural Loan Scheme is a government-backed digital financing initiative designed to support small and subsistence farmers across Pakistan. The program is offered through MCB Bank in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA).
This scheme focuses on providing collateral-free agricultural loans through a fully digital process, allowing farmers to access finance without visiting bank branches. The goal is to increase agricultural productivity, reduce farmers’ financial stress, and promote the use of modern farming inputs.
Key Objectives of the Zarkhez Loan Program
The Zarkhez scheme has been introduced to solve long-standing problems faced by farmers, especially limited access to formal credit. Its main objectives include:
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Making agricultural loans accessible to small farmers
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Eliminating the need for land collateral
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Digitizing the loan application and approval process
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Ensuring loan money is used strictly for farming purposes
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Supporting national food security and rural income growth
By combining technology with banking, the scheme marks a major step toward inclusive agricultural financing.
Loan Amount and Financing Structure
Under the Zarkhez Easy Agricultural Loan Scheme, eligible farmers can apply for financing of up to PKR 1,000,000 (10 lakh rupees).
A unique feature of this program is how the funds are disbursed:
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Around 75% of the loan is provided in-kind, not cash
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In-kind financing is used to purchase essential inputs such as:
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Certified seeds
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Fertilizers
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Pesticides
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Diesel and fuel
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These inputs are purchased from bank-approved vendors, ensuring proper utilization
The remaining portion may be credited digitally to the farmer’s account or wallet, depending on approval terms.
Who Can Apply for the Zarkhez Agricultural Loan?
The scheme has been structured to include a wide range of farmers who are often excluded from traditional bank loans.
Eligible applicants include:
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Landowners with:
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Up to 12.5 acres in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
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Up to 16 acres in Sindh
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Tenant farmers and sharecroppers, even without land ownership
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Farmers involved in crop production requiring seasonal inputs
This inclusive eligibility policy makes Zarkhez especially beneficial for small-scale and subsistence farmers.
Digital Application Process Explained
The Zarkhez scheme is fully digital, saving farmers time and travel costs. The application process includes the following steps:
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Create an online account using CNIC and a registered mobile number
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Verify identity through OTP and NADRA records
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Enter farm and land details digitally
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Upload required documents online
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Submit the application for bank review
Once approved by a participating bank such as MCB, the loan is disbursed digitally without paperwork delays.
Why Zarkhez Is a Game-Changer for Pakistani Farmers
This scheme represents a major policy shift in agricultural financing. Instead of complex paperwork and collateral requirements, farmers now benefit from:
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Faster loan approvals
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No physical bank visits
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Transparent digital tracking
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Guaranteed use of funds for farming
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Reduced dependence on informal lenders
The government’s emphasis on technology ensures accountability while empowering farmers with financial confidence.
How Zarkhez Supports National Agriculture Growth
By enabling farmers to access timely inputs, the Zarkhez scheme directly contributes to:
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Improved crop yields
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Lower production costs
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Better quality farm outputs
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Increased rural employment
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Strengthened food supply chains
These long-term benefits align with Pakistan’s broader agricultural and economic development goals.
Important Things Farmers Should Know Before Applying
Before submitting an application, farmers should ensure:
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CNIC and mobile number are registered and active
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Land or tenancy details are accurate
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Farming activity matches approved input categories
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Information provided is truthful to avoid delays or rejection
Following these guidelines improves approval chances and speeds up disbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Zarkhez Loan Scheme
Understanding Loan Eligibility
Who is eligible for the Zarkhez Easy Agricultural Loan?
Small landowners, tenant farmers, and sharecroppers with land limits defined by province are eligible, even without collateral.
Loan Amount and Usage Clarification
How much loan can a farmer get under Zarkhez?
Farmers can receive financing of up to PKR 1 million, with most of the amount provided as in-kind agricultural inputs.
Application Method Explained
Is the Zarkhez loan application completely online?
Yes, the entire process is digital, from registration and verification to approval and disbursement.
Disbursement and Repayment Details
Is the loan given in cash or goods?
Most of the loan is disbursed in the form of farming inputs purchased from approved vendors to ensure proper usage.
Scheme Reliability and Safety
Is Zarkhez a government-supported scheme?
Yes, it is backed by the Government of Pakistan, SBP, and partner banks, making it a secure and regulated program.
