To achieve higher crop yields and boost overall productivity in Pakistan’s agriculture sector, which currently lags behind comparable countries, it is essential for farmers to apply agricultural inputs such as seed, fertiliser, and pesticide in recommended quantities, at the right times, and with assured product quality.

With over 90 per cent of Pakistan’s farmers holding less than 12 acres, their financial constraints often lead them to use inadequate quantities and lower-quality inputs. For this reason, all circles concerned have been strongly advocating for developing an easy and affordable agricultural credit system in the country — one that is free from exploitation and procedural barriers.

The recently launched Punjab Government “Chief Minister’s Kissan Card” scheme, with a budget of Rs9 billion for FY25, has been well-received by the farming community, with a large number of farmers enthusiastically opting into this initiative. The card enables smallholders to purchase agricultural inputs hassle-free from approved outlets, worth Rs30,000 per acre, with a maximum limit of Rs150,000, payable after six months.

The Bank of Punjab will provide these short-term, interest-free agricultural loans to the tune of around........

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