NIBAF Pakistan successfully conducted a two-day specialized training program titled “Unlocking Agri Lending Through Technology and Innovation,” aimed at equipping banking professionals with modern tools and strategies to enhance agri-lending in the country. The program, held on November 20–21, 2025, in Faisalabad, focused on leveraging technology and innovative financial solutions to expand access to agriculture financing.
The training brought together 17 officers from various commercial banks, providing them with an opportunity to gain valuable insights into digital enablement and scalable lending models tailored for the agricultural sector. Participants explored the latest trends in agri-finance, including digital platforms, risk assessment tools, and customer-centric lending approaches, designed to improve both efficiency and outreach in rural markets.
Expert trainers led the sessions, including Mr. Yahya Hameed, Head of Agri Business at BAFL, and Mr. Sajid Iqbal, CEO of Green Circle. Their extensive experience in agri-business and innovative financial solutions offered participants practical knowledge and case studies that highlighted successful implementation of technology-driven lending programs.
Adding to the program’s insights, Mr. Rizwan Siddiq, Regional Head Digital for the Faisalabad region, served as a guest speaker, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation in agri-finance. He discussed how integrating technology into lending processes can streamline operations, enhance transparency, and foster financial inclusion for farmers and rural communities.
The program covered multiple aspects of modern agri-lending, including risk management, credit assessment, and deployment of digital tools to monitor loan utilization and repayment patterns. Officers were also exposed to innovative financial products and scalable lending models that can be adapted to local contexts, ensuring that banks can support small and medium-sized farmers effectively while maintaining profitability and minimizing risk.
Through interactive sessions, participants engaged in discussions on the challenges facing agri-finance in Pakistan, such as low digital adoption among farmers, limited access to financial services in remote areas, and the need for better infrastructure to support technology-enabled lending. Trainers emphasized practical solutions, including digital credit scoring, mobile banking platforms, and fintech collaborations to enhance reach and efficiency.
The program highlighted the strategic role of banks in promoting financial inclusion and supporting Pakistan’s agriculture sector, which remains a critical part of the national economy. By adopting innovative lending practices and digital tools, banks can help farmers access affordable credit, invest in modern farming practices, and improve productivity.
This initiative by NIBAF reflects its ongoing commitment to capacity building and knowledge-sharing within Pakistan’s financial sector. By focusing on technology-driven solutions and innovation, the program aimed to prepare banking professionals to navigate the evolving landscape of agri-finance and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Overall, the two-day training successfully blended theoretical knowledge with practical applications, equipping participants with the skills needed to advance agri-lending through technology and innovation, while fostering financial inclusion across Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
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