LAHORE: The State Bank of Pakistan in collaboration with the Bank of Punjab organised an ’Agri Kissan Mela’ at Kasur.

Held under the theme of advancing innovation & sustainability in Pakistan’s agriculture sector, the event brought together over 400 farmers, along with industry experts, representatives from the banking sector, academics, and government officials.

A wide range of activities, including banking and agri-corporate stalls, live demonstrations and displays of agricultural machinery and equipment, panel discussions and speeches by industry professionals, enriched the event.

SBP Additional Director Dr Muhammad Saleem appreciated the initiative and emphasised the pivotal role of financial inclusion in uplifting the sector.

He said the SBP through its developmental role has been working to bridge the gap between financial institutions and the farming community.

BOP Consumer Banking Group Chief Asif Riaz hoped that the event would pave the way for further financial inclusion as well as adoption of modern & sustainable agri techniques.

He said BOP is augmenting financial inclusion of the agriculture community, particularly small farmers, through conventional as well as Digital Agri Financing Solutions, including CM Punjab Kissan Card whereby BOP has approved a total of Rs55bn to 542,000 small farmers within a span of three months.

SBP BSC Lahore Chief Manager Tariq Riaz stressed the importance of regional outreach and direct farmer engagement, noting that Kissan Melas serve as an effective platform to raise awareness, connect farmers with financial institutions, and showcase innovative solutions tailored to their needs.

Published in Dawn, April 11th, 2025