Punjab Finance Minister Dr Aisha Ghaus Pasha and Punjab Agriculture Minister Muhammad Naeem Akhtar Khan Bhabha held a meeting with the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) President Saeed Ahmad to discuss the close cooperation between the Punjab government and the NBP in e-credit scheme for agriculture.
Under the e-credit scheme, small farmers would be provided financing, for which mark up is being borne by the Punjab government. NBP has committed to lend up to Rs 30 million under Punjab government’s scheme. Ayesha Ghous appreciated Saeed Ahmad’s vision and association with the development of the scheme while he was SBP deputy governor.
To ensure that the loans – under e-scheme – reach the most deserving candidates, a strategy was designed, where NBP will partner with the best performing micro finance institutions and extend credit lines to these institutions. These institutions will use the same credit lines to disburse loans to the small farmers under e-credit scheme country-wide.
At this occasion Saeed Ahmad said, “NBP is driven to empower our nation especially in the agri sector. It is crucial that the masses, which are not catered by any commercial bank, are empowered to rise, grow and received support by NBP.”
Dr Aisha stated that the Punjab government is determined to empower farmers, especially small land holders, landless farmers and those who have never availed any financial facilities. She further added that the Punjab government was also working on schemes to promote SME sector.
Ahmad stated that NBP is willing to cooperate with all provinces to promote agri financing.
