Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited and ZTBL (Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited) Sign Industry-First MOU to Enhance Financial Access for Smallholder Farmers

Islamabad, October 09, 2024: Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) have entered into a groundbreaking partnership to promote financial inclusion and support for smallholder farmers in Pakistan. This collaboration aims to integrate farmers into the formal financial system while providing them with essential agricultural resources and innovative solutions to enhance productivity and livelihoods. This is the first-of-its-kind agreement in the industry, pioneering a new way forward for agricultural financing and farmer empowerment.

The MOU was formally signed by Mr. Asad Murad, Chief Operating Officer of Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited, and Mr. Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, President & CEO of ZTBL. The ceremony, attended by senior officials from both organizations, marked a significant step toward empowering farmers and addressing Pakistan’s agricultural challenges.

Mr. Asad Murad, Chief Operating Officer of Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “This MOU strengthens our mission to provide smallholder farmers with the tools they need to improve productivity and contribute to Pakistan’s food security. By combining our innovative solutions with ZTBL’s financial services, we are not only empowering farmers but also pioneering our way ahead in sustainable agricultural practices across the country.”

Representing Fatima Fertilizer at the signing were Ms. Rabel Sadozai, Director Marketing & Sales; Mr. Usman Arshad Mian, Head of Planning & Business Integration; Mr. Raja Shakir Khan, Manager Planning & Business Integration; Mr. Hessan Amin, Lead Digital Projects; and Mr. Abdullah Khalid, Assistant Manager BI & Digitization.

Mr. Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, President & CEO of ZTBL, echoed these sentiments, adding, “ZTBL is committed to empowering farmers through financial inclusion. This partnership with Fatima Fertilizer will not only provide smallholder farmers with the agricultural inputs they need but also offer them the financial support to grow and thrive.”

From ZTBL, the team included Mr. Zahid Hussain, Group Head Business; Mr. Sulman A. Shah, Head of Product Development & Liability Management Division; and Mr. Arshad Hassan Awan, Head Credit Division.

The MOU also underscores both companies’ shared commitment to promoting digital transformation in agriculture and creating sustainable growth opportunities for farmers across Pakistan, setting new benchmarks for the industry.