Karachi: Askari Bank and Verdora Ventures Pvt Ltd have formalised a Rs250 million farmer financing facility under the Askari Kissan Evergreen Finance Programme, marking a significant step towards strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural value chains, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable agribusiness growth. The initiative reflects both organisations’ commitment to improving financial inclusion for farmers, supporting climate-resilient agricultural practices, and building a more productive and competitive agricultural ecosystem.
The facility agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by senior leadership from both organisations, including Mr Zia Ijaz, President and CEO of Askari Bank; Mr Abrar Hasan, Chairman of Verdora Ventures; Mr Uzair Rabbani, Country Head of Corporate Banking at Askari Bank; and Syed M Mahd, CEO of Verdora Ventures. Designed to provide Verdora Ventures with timely access to financing throughout the farming cycle, the facility will enable uninterrupted support to growers at critical stages of crop production. The initiative is expected to benefit farmers cultivating high-value crops such as tomatoes, turmeric, and chillies, helping improve productivity, crop quality, and market access.
Commitment to Agricultural Empowerment
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Zia Ijaz, President and CEO of Askari Bank, said, “Agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, and at Askari Bank, we are committed to empowering farmers through structured, sustainable, and value-driven financial solutions. Our partnership with Verdora Ventures reflects our vision of strengthening agricultural ecosystems, enhancing food security, and contributing meaningfully to the country’s economic resilience.”
Syed M Mahd, CEO of Verdora Ventures Pvt Ltd, added, “This financing facility is a decisive step in our ability to support farmers at scale. By securing working capital directly tied to our value chain, we can ensure that growers of high-value crops receive the inputs they need on time, every season. It is a testament to what structured agribusiness partnerships can achieve.”
Broader Impact on Agricultural Supply Chains
Through this collaboration, Askari Bank and Verdora Ventures are advancing a broader agenda of building resilient, scalable, and inclusive agricultural supply chains. Beyond financing, the partnership aims to empower farmers through fair contracting mechanisms, agronomic advisory services, and reliable market linkages, creating long-term value across Pakistan’s high-value crop ecosystem. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s food security and economic resilience by supporting sustainable farming practices and improving market access for smallholder farmers.
