HBL MfB launches Pakistan’s first satellite-driven agri loans

LAHORE: HBL Microfinance Bank (HBL MfB), in collaboration with the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), has begun the first disbursements under Pakistan’s inaugural climate-smart agri-finance initiative powered by satellite data intelligence.

According to HBL MfB, the initiative marks a major milestone in the country’s shift toward sustainable, technology-enabled agriculture. The pilot, earlier announced as a pioneering partnership between HBL MfB and SUPARCO, leverages satellite imagery, crop monitoring, and remote-sensing analytics to assess crop health, strengthen risk management, and enable more accurate and timely agricultural credit decisions. With the first loan now disbursed at a ceremony held in Punjab’s Okara district, the project has officially transitioned from planning to implementation.

Commenting on the development, Amir Khan, President & CEO of HBL MfB said, “Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy yet highly vulnerable to climate shocks. By integrating satellite intelligence into agri-financing, we are equipping farmers with tools to withstand climate risks, improve productivity, and contribute to national food security.”

He added that the initiative also enhances risk assessment for financial institutions engaged in agricultural lending. “This partnership reflects our commitment to providing innovative, inclusive, and climate-resilient financial solutions, and we look forward to scaling it up soon,” he stated.

Through SUPARCO’s remote-sensing capabilities and HBL MfB’s extensive on-ground presence, farmers will benefit from more accurate assessments of land use, crop patterns, and vegetation stress. This data-driven approach enables HBL MfB to offer financing that is smarter, faster, and aligned with real-time conditions in the fields.

Zafar Iqbal, Member (SAR) at SUPARCO, remarked, “This collaboration demonstrates how Pakistan’s space technology can directly support economic development. By applying satellite analytics to agriculture, we are strengthening livelihoods and enhancing national climate resilience.”

He noted that with agriculture employing nearly half of Pakistan’s workforce and contributing significantly to GDP, transitioning to data-driven, climate-smart financing models is essential. This partnership, he concluded, will serve as a blueprint for scaling satellite-enabled agricultural credit across the country.

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