Zarkhez-e – Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza
Zarkhez-e – Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza program has been introduced to support small farmers through a modern, transparent, and fully digital financing system. This scheme is designed especially for farmers who cannot access formal bank loans due to lack of collateral, limited financial history, or complicated documentation. With the help of technology, the program builds an easy, structured, and reliable path for farmers to obtain financing for essential crop inputs without needing to visit bank branches. The main purpose is to increase agricultural production by ensuring farmers receive quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and diesel on time for their seasonal cultivation.
A major strength of this initiative is its strict focus on agricultural usage. Every rupee disbursed through this scheme is digitally monitored and can only be spent at verified agricultural merchants. This avoids misuse of funds while ensuring that farmers are protected from counterfeit or substandard inputs. Along with digital financing, the program also provides insurance coverage, advisory support, and possible assistance in selling produce, making it a complete solution for small farmers across Pakistan.
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Introduction to Zarkhez-e Digital Zarai Qarza
Zarkhez-e is a government-supported digital agricultural loan designed to uplift farmers through transparent production financing. Its core objective is to provide easy, affordable, and collateral-free loans to small farmers using technology. The focus is not simply on funding, but on ensuring that funds convert into productive and efficient farming. By controlling the spending channels and restricting purchases to approved merchants, the program ensures that farmers invest directly in their crops rather than using funds for non-farming purposes.
Another key element of the program is the structured digital process. Farmers no longer need to visit bank branches or submit printed documents. All steps—from application to approval and disbursement—are completed through a digital portal or mobile application. The initiative aims to increase financial inclusion, reduce paperwork, and give farmers quick access to quality agricultural inputs.
Key Highlights:
- Fully digital and collateral-free financing
- Spending controlled through approved agri-merchants
- Access to quality inputs for better yield
- Designed for small and subsistence farmers
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Eligibility Criteria for Zarkhez-e Qarza
Eligibility for the Zarkhez-e program has been set in a way that truly targets small farmers who need financial support for production. Farmers across Pakistan can apply as long as they fall under specific landholding limits, which differ by province. The applicant must also be a Pakistani resident, have a valid CNIC, and own a SIM registered in their own name to complete digital verification. These requirements ensure transparency, accurate identification, and smooth processing throughout the system.
Age limits have been set between 21 and 60 years so that applicants can responsibly manage the loan and actively participate in crop cultivation. Both landowners and tenants are eligible, allowing the program to reach deeply into rural communities where tenancy is common. By limiting applications to one per individual, the program also prevents duplication and unfair borrowing.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Age between 21 to 60 years
- Valid CNIC updated in NADRA
- SIM registered in the farmer’s own name
- One application per farmer only
- Landholding limits by province
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Loan Amount, Tenure & Usage Limits
The Zarkhez-e financing amount depends on the number of cultivated acres owned or rented by the farmer. Landowners receive a higher maximum limit compared to tenants, reflecting their investment capacity and land usage. However, both groups can receive financing of up to PKR 100,000 per acre, subject to maximum ceilings. Loan tenure is fixed and short-term, ensuring that the financing supports seasonal crop production only.
Cash withdrawal is allowed but limited, ensuring that the majority of funds go directly toward agricultural inputs. This restriction helps prevent misuse and ensures farmers maintain focus on improving productivity. Repayment is designed to be simple: full settlement at the end of the loan period, without monthly installments.
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Loan Limits
| Farmer Type | Financing Per Acre | Maximum Limit | Cash-Out Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landowner | Up to PKR 100,000 | PKR 1,000,000 | 25% |
| Tenant | Up to PKR 100,000 | PKR 500,000 | 15% |
Important Loan Features:
- Tenure up to 12 months
- Shariah-compliant financing modes
- Balloon payment at end of term
Permitted Uses of the Loan
The loan is strictly allocated for agricultural production inputs. This ensures that farmers invest in areas that directly improve their crop yields. Through digital controls, the loan amount can only be spent at approved merchants who supply certified and reliable agricultural goods. This avoids the risk of low-quality products damaging the crop and protects farmers’ investments.
The program currently supports four major categories of crop inputs. Farmers are encouraged to use their digital wallet balance wisely and purchase timely inputs to avoid delays in sowing or crop treatment. By limiting spending solely to essential inputs, the program offers farmers a focused and practical financial solution.
Allowed Spending Categories:
- Quality seeds from certified merchants
- Fertilizers approved for crop production
- Pesticides and crop protection items
- Diesel for operating farm machinery
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Digital Application Process: Step-by-Step
The digital application process is designed to simplify loan access and eliminate the need for in-person visits. Farmers can apply through the bank’s online portal or mobile application by entering their basic information and uploading required details. The digital Loan Application Form (LAF) replaces all paperwork, and farmers sign documents electronically.
Once the form is submitted, the farmer pays a processing fee of Rs. 1,200, which covers verification costs. The system then automatically performs NADRA Verisys checks, PMD crop data verification, ECIB credit history review, and sanctions screening. If needed, the bank may perform a small on-site visit to validate land details. Upon approval, the loan is disbursed digitally.
Application Steps:
- Visit the bank’s digital portal
- Fill out the digital application form
- Pay processing fee online
- Complete verification checks
- Wait for approval and disbursement
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Verification, Evaluation & Approval Criteria
The approval process involves advanced digital checks that help determine the creditworthiness of each applicant. These checks ensure that only genuine farmers receive financing and that the program remains transparent and secure. NADRA Verisys verifies identity, PMD confirms land and crop details, and ECIB reviews any past loan performance. Together, these digital layers ensure accurate evaluation without unnecessary paperwork.
Banks may also assess the applicant’s Debt Burden Ratio (DBR) to ensure that the loan remains affordable. Some financial institutions may conduct optional psychometric tests to evaluate financial behavior patterns. In some cases, on-site verification may be conducted to verify farming activity and land use.
Evaluation Criteria Include:
- NADRA identity verification
- PMD land and crop confirmation
- ECIB and private bureau credit checks
- DBR assessment and sanctions screening
Disbursement Method & Controlled Spending
Once approved, the loan amount is transferred directly into the farmer’s wallet, CASA, or Asaan Account. This digital account is exclusively used to make purchases from authorized merchants listed within the system. By removing cash handling, the program ensures that spending remains transparent and tied to agricultural needs.
Merchants are strictly vetted by financial institutions to ensure they supply quality products at fair prices. Digital payments also ensure that each transaction is recorded and traceable, reducing the chances of fraud or counterfeit inputs entering the supply chain. Farmers can view their balance, purchase history, and approved merchant list seamlessly through the app.
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Disbursement Highlights:
- Digital wallet/CASA/Asaan Account used
- Spending restricted to approved merchants
- Transactions fully traceable
- No misuse of funds allowed
Repayment Mechanism & Early Settlement
The repayment process is simple and farmer-friendly. Instead of paying monthly installments, farmers repay the full principal amount along with markup or profit at the end of the loan tenure. This is particularly beneficial for farmers as income usually comes during harvest seasons rather than monthly cycles.
Farmers also have the option to repay earlier than the due date without incurring any extra charges. This flexibility helps those who receive early income from their crops or livestock. By keeping repayment smooth and easy, the program supports farmers in managing their finances effectively.
Repayment Terms:
- Full repayment at end of loan period
- No early repayment penalty
- Affordable and competitive pricing
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Insurance Coverage: Life & Crop Protection
Insurance is a major strength of the Zarkhez-e program. Every farmer who receives financing is automatically covered by group life insurance equal to the outstanding loan amount. In case of the farmer’s death, the insurance policy settles the loan, ensuring the family is not burdened with repayment.
In addition to life insurance, Crop Loan Insurance Scheme (CLIS) is mandatory for farmers growing the five major crops. For Islamic financing, Takaful arrangements are implemented. This coverage protects farmers from financial losses due to natural disasters, floods, pest attacks, or other unforeseen conditions that may affect crop yield.
Insurance Benefits:
- Life insurance equal to outstanding loan
- Mandatory crop insurance for major crops
- Takaful option for Sharia-compliant loans
Agri-Advisory Services & Produce Support
The program does not stop at financing; it also supports farmers through professional advisory services. Financial institutions partner with organizations like LIMS to provide guidance on soil health, seed selection, irrigation, pest control, and crop nutrition. These advisory services help farmers adopt best practices and improve their crop productivity.
Banks are also encouraged to help farmers sell their produce through structured contracts, accredited warehouses, or Salam/Parallel Salam mechanisms. This support strengthens the entire agricultural cycle—from sowing to selling—giving farmers a complete ecosystem for success.
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Support Services Include:
- Expert agronomy and soil advisory
- Weather updates and pest alerts
- Produce sale facilitation through structured channels
Processing Fee, Documentation & Program Monitoring
All application documents are digitally signed and stored within the portal. This removes the need for printing, scanning, or visiting bank branches. The fixed processing fee of Rs. 1,200 covers all verification checks such as NADRA, PMD, credit bureau, and land data verification. The program is monitored regularly by SBP to ensure transparency.
Banks are required to report progress, disbursements, and performance of the loans. This monitoring ensures that funds reach genuine farmers and that all financial institutions follow the guidelines accurately.
Documentation Requirements:
- Digital CNIC verification
- Land or tenancy details
- Registered mobile SIM
- Digital signature on LAF
Conclusion
Zarkhez-e – Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza is a transformative initiative that addresses the long-standing challenges faced by Pakistan’s small farmers. With its digital structure, transparent controls, insurance protection, and advisory services, the program provides a complete agricultural financing ecosystem. By simplifying access to credit and ensuring spending on quality inputs, the program empowers farmers to increase productivity and improve their livelihoods.
Farmers who meet the eligibility criteria should prepare their CNIC, registered SIM, and land information and begin the application through the digital portal. With timely access to quality inputs and financial support, the Zarkhez-e program can become a key driver of agricultural growth and rural development in 2025.