Editorial
Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, supporting nearly two-thirds of the population and contributing significantly to exports and GDP. Despite this, the sector’s true potential remains largely untapped, generating only 20% of national income. Recognizing this, the Bank of Punjab (BOP) has taken a proactive role in reshaping agricultural financing to support farmers and enhance the sector’s productivity.
BOP’s agricultural portfolio has seen remarkable growth, tripling over the past three years with non-performing loans (NPLs) well below industry standards. A standout initiative is the Chief Minister Punjab Kissan Card, which has revolutionized access to agricultural finance. The program has already approved PKR 50.33 billion, benefiting nearly 500,000 farmers, with a focus on small-scale growers—57% of cardholders are first-time borrowers, 70% of whom own less than 5 acres of land. Notably, women’s participation has been significant, with 75% of female borrowers being first-time credit users.
BOP’s commitment to mechanization and modernization is further demonstrated through the financing of agricultural vehicles, tractors, and solar-powered tube wells, improving efficiency and sustainability. The bank also plays a crucial role in livestock development, supporting farmers through interest-free loans and facilitating the fattening of animals to boost meat exports.
Additionally, BOP has been recognized as the Best Agri Mid-Tier Bank by the State Bank of Pakistan for two consecutive years, underscoring its leadership in agricultural development. With over 200 agri-dedicated branches, BOP is the largest lender to farmers in the country, introducing innovative programs such as Electronic Warehouse Receipt Financing (EWRF) and climate-smart financing.
Looking forward, BOP remains committed to driving rural economic growth, fostering financial inclusion, and creating a sustainable, globally competitive agriculture sector for Pakistan.
