Boosting Agri-GDP: ZTBL and PDA Collaborate to Uplift Pakistan’s Dairy Farmers
Islamabad: Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) and the Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) have entered into a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting inclusive, efficient, and sustainable growth in Pakistan’s dairy sector. The MoU signing ceremony was held at the ZTBL Head Office in Islamabad.
A high level delegation from the Pakistan Dairy Association, comprising Dr. Shehzad Amin, CEO
PDA, and Dr. Muhammad Zubair Ahmad, Manager Operations, visited ZTBL for the formal signing
ceremony. The distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by President/CEO ZTBL, Mr. Tahir
Yaqoob Bhatti, along with senior management of the Bank.
Dairy Sector Transformation: Strategic Alliance Formed for Modern Farming & Value Addition
In his welcome remarks, the President ZTBL highlighted the vital role of livestock in Pakistan’s
economy, stating that the livestock sector contributes a major share to the agricultural GDP.
“Pakistan is among the largest milk producers in the world,” he noted, “and with proper
processing, value addition, and structured financing, the dairy sector has immense potential to
grow and uplift rural livelihoods ultimately boosting the agricultural GDP.” He emphasized the
importance of channeling financial services, capacity building, and innovation towards the
underserved dairy farming community.
CEO PDA Dr. Shehzad Amin appreciated ZTBL’s focus on rural and agri-based financial
empowerment. He remarked that the formalization of the dairy sector is key to improving milk
quality, ensuring food safety, and increasing farmer profitability. While highlighting the role of
PDA, he mentioned that the Association provides training programs and facilitates the
establishment of key infrastructure to support dairy farmers in transitioning to modern farming,
value chain development, and establishing market linkages. He added that partnerships like thesewould bridge the gap between producers and processors and provide critical support to small
and mid-sized dairy enterprises.
ZTBL & PDA Partner for Sustainable Dairy Growth in Pakistan
During the ceremony, a video documentary was presented, highlighting ZTBL’s nationwide
presence, its role in agricultural financing, and the Bank’s recent initiatives and achievements.
The CEO PDA lauded ZTBL’s commitment to innovation, rural outreach, and sustainable
agriculture.
Both parties reaffirmed their resolve to work closely for the development of dairy sector of
Pakistan, contributing to national food and nutrition security, employment generation, and
inclusive economic growth.
