HBL Expands Its Agahi Program to Empower Farmers in Pakpattan: A Major Step Toward Agricultural Transformation in Pakistan

In a powerful move to strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural economy and uplift rural livelihoods, Habib Bank Limited (HBL) recently organized its flagship ‘Agahi Program’ in Pakpattan, Punjab. The event was held at the Dera of HBL Zarai and marked another milestone in HBL’s commitment to serving the farming community. The program was held in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), reflecting a unified national approach to improving financial inclusion, agricultural productivity, and sustainable farming practices across the country.

This initiative, which first launched in 2018, has now reached more than 30,000 farmers nationwide. HBL continues to lead the way in transforming traditional agricultural practices through a blend of financial solutions and modern agronomic knowledge.

A Groundbreaking Event in Pakpattan

Pakpattan, a district in central Punjab known for its fertile soil and agricultural heritage, became the focal point of this latest Agahi Program. Farmers, agronomists, financial experts, and representatives from both HBL and SBP gathered to share insights, exchange experiences, and introduce cutting-edge tools and resources to modernize agriculture in the region.

The event at the Dera of HBL Zarai served as a dynamic platform for engaging with local farmers on several levels. It wasn’t just a seminar — it was an interactive session where farmers had the opportunity to speak directly with banking professionals, technical advisors, and agribusiness specialists. This level of access is rare and crucial in remote areas where farmers often remain disconnected from formal financial services and technological innovation.

Key Focus Areas of the Agahi Program

HBL’s Agahi Program revolves around three main pillars that are crucial for agricultural development in Pakistan:

1. Agri-Finance Solutions

One of the biggest challenges for small and medium-scale farmers in Pakistan is the lack of access to affordable and timely credit. Many are forced to rely on informal lenders who charge exorbitant interest rates, trapping them in cycles of debt. HBL aims to change this reality through structured agri-finance solutions.

During the event, farmers were introduced to various loan products tailored to meet their seasonal needs — from land preparation to seed purchase, fertilizer application, irrigation, and post-harvest storage. HBL’s financing options are designed to be flexible, with repayment cycles aligned to the agricultural calendar, helping farmers manage their cash flow more effectively.

Moreover, these financial products are supported by digital platforms, allowing easier application, approval, and disbursement processes. HBL is leveraging technology to ensure that even farmers in remote villages can access loans without having to travel to distant branches.

2. Modern Agronomy Practices

In addition to financial support, HBL has placed strong emphasis on educating farmers about modern agronomic techniques that can improve yield, soil health, and pest control. Agricultural productivity in Pakistan has long been hindered by outdated practices, lack of training, and unscientific methods.

The Agahi Program includes training modules on crop rotation, precision agriculture, integrated pest management, water conservation techniques, and the use of certified seeds. Agronomists from HBL and partner organizations conducted live demonstrations and shared best practices to help farmers increase their efficiency while maintaining ecological balance.

3. Farm Management Techniques

Efficient farm management is key to turning small-scale farming into a profitable and sustainable business. The Agahi Program aims to instill entrepreneurial thinking among farmers by teaching them how to manage resources, plan crop cycles, assess risk, and track their income and expenses.

Farmers were taught the importance of record-keeping, budgeting, and forecasting. Sessions also focused on how to use data to make better decisions — for example, when to sow, irrigate, fertilize, or harvest a crop. These insights help reduce waste and increase profitability, transforming the way farming is perceived — from a risky livelihood to a structured business venture.

Partnership With the State Bank of Pakistan

The collaboration between HBL and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) adds further credibility and strength to the Agahi Program. SBP’s involvement signals a national commitment to agriculture-led growth and financial inclusion.

SBP representatives at the event discussed the government’s ongoing initiatives to support farmers through interest-free loans, crop insurance, and credit guarantee schemes. They also assured participants of their dedication to simplifying regulatory frameworks so that banks can extend their services more effectively to rural populations.

The central bank’s presence also helped build trust among the farming community. Farmers, especially those unfamiliar with banking systems, often hesitate to engage due to fears of hidden charges or complex procedures. The direct dialogue between farmers and SBP officials helped demystify these processes and encourage greater participation in formal banking channels.

Empowering Women in Agriculture

A particularly notable aspect of this year’s Agahi Program was its attention to the role of women in agriculture. While men usually dominate public agricultural spaces, women play an equally vital — though often invisible — role in food production, livestock care, and post-harvest activities.

HBL has started incorporating women-focused sessions to recognize and support the contribution of rural women. Special financial products, training programs, and micro-loans are being designed to empower female farmers, giving them the tools and confidence to expand their economic roles.

During the Pakpattan event, several female farmers shared their experiences and challenges. These sessions served not only as learning opportunities but also as inspiration for others to take initiative and seek financial independence through farming.

Impact Since 2018

Since its launch in 2018, the Agahi Program has expanded steadily, touching the lives of more than 30,000 farmers across multiple districts in Pakistan, including Sahiwal, Okara, Vehari, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, and now Pakpattan.

According to HBL, the outcomes of the program include:

• A measurable increase in farm yields.

• More farmers opening bank accounts and using digital wallets.

• Higher loan repayment rates, thanks to tailored financial products.

• Improved environmental outcomes through sustainable practices.

The program also helps bridge the rural-urban divide by bringing cutting-edge agricultural technologies to the countryside. HBL’s efforts align closely with the government’s long-term goal of making agriculture more productive, climate-resilient, and market-oriented.

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Promoting Financial Inclusion

Pakistan has one of the lowest financial inclusion rates in South Asia, especially in rural areas where many people still operate outside the formal economy. Farmers often lack basic documentation, access to mobile phones, or awareness of banking services.

HBL’s Agahi Program directly addresses this issue by simplifying access to financial services. The bank has also introduced biometric verification, mobile banking units, and helplines in local languages to ease the process for first-time users.

The promotion of financial inclusion goes beyond credit. Through Agahi, farmers learn about savings accounts, crop insurance, remittance options, and government subsidies. This broader understanding empowers them to make informed decisions and manage risk more effectively.

Building a Resilient Farming Community

In the face of challenges like climate change, water scarcity, inflation, and global market fluctuations, Pakistan’s agriculture sector needs resilience — and that starts with informed, empowered farmers. HBL’s Agahi Program is not just about loans or lessons. It is about building a strong, self-sufficient community of farmers that can thrive in the modern economy.

By providing tools, knowledge, and confidence, HBL is helping farmers see agriculture not just as a way to survive, but as a pathway to prosperity. This shift in mindset is essential for Pakistan’s economic revival, especially since agriculture remains the backbone of the national economy, employing more than 38% of the labor force.

A Vision for the Future

HBL has expressed a strong commitment to expanding the Agahi Program to other parts of the country. Future goals include:

• Partnering with more government departments and NGOs.

• Introducing climate-smart agriculture practices.

• Launching mobile apps in regional languages for farmer support.

• Creating a digital ecosystem for buyers and sellers in agri-markets.

With each new event, like the one in Pakpattan, HBL comes closer to achieving this vision. The bank’s leadership has stated that they see agriculture as a national priority and are investing long-term in rural development and innovation.

Final Thoughts

The Agahi Program represents a powerful blend of financial empowerment, agricultural modernization, and community building. In a country like Pakistan, where millions depend on farming for their livelihood, initiatives like this can make a lasting difference.

HBL’s efforts, supported by the State Bank of Pakistan, serve as a model for other financial institutions and development agencies. By combining traditional wisdom with modern tools, the Agahi Program is planting the seeds of a more prosperous, resilient, and inclusive agricultural future for Pakistan.