Agricultural challenges and financing developments in Kenya and Pakistan

In Kenya, Equity Bank has introduced a Farm Inputs Loan designed to assist commercial farmers with the costs of essential agricultural supplies. The facility offers a repayment period of up to two years and accepts various forms of security, including proceeds from sold produce, livestock, farm assets, or household assets. To qualify, applicants must be active account holders, have completed at least two successful production cycles, and demonstrate agricultural experience and access to land.

In Pakistan, the agricultural sector faces significant economic strain. The Pakistan Kisan Rabita Committee, representing 36 farmers’ organisations, has called for nationwide protests. Farmers are demanding a minimum wheat support price of Rs5,000 per maund and a sugarcane price of Rs700 per 40kg to offset rising production costs for seeds, fertilizer, and fuel. The situation highlights a growing gap between low returns for growers and high flour prices for consumers, posing risks to national food security and economic stability.