The federal government is weighing major financial relief measures for farmers impacted by recent floods, including the rescheduling or possible write-off of loans from Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL).
🌾 Proposals on the Table
During a recent cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, ministers recommended:
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Debt write-offs for ZTBL borrowers
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Rescheduling of loan repayments
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Waiver of interest payments
ZTBL, being the state-owned agricultural bank, is a lifeline for thousands of farmers who rely on it for seasonal financing.
⚠️ Concerns Over Wheat Growers
Ministers cautioned that wheat farmers, already hit by low crop prices in the 2024–25 season, may be unwilling to plant again without urgent government intervention.
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They urged provinces to revive the support price mechanism, but warned that announcing prices too early could benefit hoarders instead of genuine growers.
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They stressed that farmers must be directly consulted before any policy decisions are finalized.
🛠️ Provincial Role in Agriculture & Climate Action
The cabinet underscored that agriculture and climate change are primarily provincial responsibilities. Any new program, they argued, should be designed with provincial collaboration and funding, given limited fiscal space at the federal level.
Ministers emphasized a two-pronged strategy:
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Short-term relief → Immediate financial support for flood-affected farmers
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Long-term reforms → Structural measures to build resilience against climate change impacts
🌍 Climate Change & Population Pressure
Officials called for an urgent meeting of the Pakistan Climate Change Council, created under the 2017 Climate Change Act, to coordinate strategies with all stakeholders.
They also highlighted:
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Rapid population growth → adding pressure on resources
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Climate change vulnerabilities → worsening floods, droughts, and crop losses
To address these challenges, a high-level committee led by the Planning Minister, along with provincial chief secretaries, has been proposed to map out actionable steps.
✅ What This Means for Farmers
If approved, the proposed measures could bring:
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Immediate financial breathing room for flood-hit farmers
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Renewed confidence in planting wheat and other crops
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Stronger long-term policies to safeguard agriculture against climate shocks
👉 The government’s decision on ZTBL loan relief could shape not only the future of Pakistan’s agriculture sector but also the country’s broader climate resilience strategy.
