Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) hosted a high-level delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) at its head office in Islamabad, reaffirming a shared commitment to supporting Pakistan’s agriculture sector and small farmers.
Read More: LSE SPAC-I Limited to Begin Trading on Pakistan Stock Exchange
The delegation was led by James Robert Okoth, Officer-in-Charge at FAO. During the meeting, ZTBL President and CEO Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti highlighted the bank’s role in uplifting small and subsistence farmers, who make up nearly 96 percent of Pakistan’s farming community.
ZTBL shared details of its extensive outreach network, which includes 501 branches nationwide, with the majority located in rural, underserved and unbanked areas. The bank noted that its presence across rural Pakistan reinforces its position as a key financial institution supporting the agricultural economy.
The delegation was also briefed on ZTBL’s recent operational turnaround, driven by digital banking initiatives, farmer engagement programmes and employment generation efforts. The bank highlighted initiatives such as Zarai Baithaks and mobile van services aimed at improving productivity in both crop and livestock sectors.
FAO officials appreciated ZTBL’s contribution to agricultural development and shared insights into the organisation’s ongoing projects across 75 districts of Pakistan. These initiatives include climate change adaptation, livestock development, farmer training programmes and support for flood-affected regions.
During the discussions, FAO expressed interest in collaborating with ZTBL on farmer training programmes, enabling the bank to further promote financial products and services within farming communities. Both sides acknowledged strong alignment in areas including farmer education, livestock development and agricultural value chain enhancement.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to explore long-term collaboration aimed at enhancing farmer outreach, increasing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable growth within Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
