Senate has expressed its concerns over the non-availability of credit for the agriculture sector during a meeting of Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research.

Senator Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah headed the committee meeting has also noted disbursement in agricultural areas. The committee met with in the chair also noted that agriculture disbursement in agricultural areas of Pakistan.

Senator Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari further said the biggest hurdle in growth and development of the agriculture sector was non-availability of agriculture credit.

He said that Zarai Taraqiati Bank (ZTBL) was unable to fulfill the credit requirements of the farming community particularly small land holders despite higher markup rates. For formulating a comprehensive credit policy, he called upon the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) so that loans for small farmers can be ensured. A subcommittee was formed to meet challenges faced in agriculture credit disbursement.

The committee has asked for assembling a report on the agriculture credit disbursement targets and achievements so far from ZTBL and other banks. Ministry of National Food Security and Research federal secretary was also asked to submit a report on the restriction on the transportation of fertilizer to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

The committee also asked that for the development of the agri-sector acting appropriately in collaboration with other investors to ensure fertilizer supply to these provinces.

Senators Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari, Hamza, and Sardar Azam Khan Musa Khail along with senior officials of ZTBL, SBP, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, representatives of provincial food departments have attended the meeting.