In a move set to reshape the agricultural landscape of Pakistan, United Bank Limited (UBL) has joined hands with Shahzad Trade Link (STL) to promote the mechanization of farms across the country. The collaboration is focused on improving access to advanced farming tools—specifically Belarus Tractors—for small and medium-sized landholders, helping to bridge the mechanization gap that has long challenged agricultural productivity in the region.
The strategic agreement between UBL and STL is aimed at making agricultural machinery more accessible and affordable for farmers. Through a subsidized financing program, farmers will be able to purchase Belarus Tractors with attractive financial terms, including a flat markup rate of 9.5% and a repayment plan spread over five years. This move is expected to significantly lower the entry barrier for thousands of landholders who traditionally rely on manual labor or outdated tools due to high upfront equipment costs.
The joint initiative also includes a sales promotion strategy designed to encourage adoption of mechanized farming techniques among small and mid-scale farmers. By focusing on this key demographic, the partnership aims to uplift a segment that forms the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural economy but often lacks access to modern financial and technological resources.
At the core of the agreement is the goal to promote financial inclusion in rural and agrarian communities. By integrating affordable banking solutions with the supply of agricultural machinery, UBL and STL are not only enabling productivity improvements but also enhancing the economic resilience of Pakistan’s farmers. The agreement aligns with the broader national agenda of increasing agricultural efficiency, improving crop yields, and ensuring food security through technological adoption.
The signing ceremony was held at UBL’s Head Office in Karachi and was attended by senior executives from both organizations. Key attendees included Abdul Aleem Qureshi, Group Executive of Branch Banking at UBL, and Shahzad Riaz, Proprietor of Shahzad Trade Link. The presence of top-level leadership from both sides underscores the strategic importance of this initiative and their shared commitment to rural development and economic empowerment.
Abdul Aleem Qureshi emphasized the role of financial institutions in driving rural innovation. “UBL is proud to be at the forefront of initiatives that integrate financial services with grassroots-level development. This partnership with Shahzad Trade Link exemplifies our commitment to empowering farmers with the resources they need to succeed,” he stated.
Shahzad Riaz added that facilitating access to affordable, high-quality machinery is crucial for the modernization of Pakistan’s agriculture. “We are excited to work with UBL to ensure farmers across the country can take advantage of cutting-edge technology to increase efficiency and productivity,” he said.
This collaboration represents a promising step toward bridging the technology gap in Pakistan’s agricultural sector. With a tailored financing model, strategic product availability, and a focus on underserved farming communities, UBL and STL are setting a precedent for how the banking and agri-machinery sectors can work together to foster innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.