Mr. Muhammad Hashim
Today, Muhammad Hashim Shahzad is a thriving farmer. A middle aged man, he is a resident of Basti Langah Wala, Kot Addu who inherited the business of farming from his father a few years ago. After his father’s demise, Muhammad became the sole breadwinner for 9 dependents in his family including 5 children, wife, mother, and his siblings. The family business, however, was barely productive, as an arid terrain coupled with traditional farming methods resulted in very little income. In 2014, Muhammad heard about NRSP Bank’s financing products from the Bank’s field staff. He approached NRSP Bank for his first loan of PKR 25,000 through a community organization to meet his working capital requirement. With more funds at his disposal, availing tube-well water became possible, and with more water, Muhammad’s produce increased. After his first successful experience with the Bank, Muhammad decided to take further help from NRSP Bank. He coordinated with NRSP MFBL representatives who helped him select improved farming techniques and explore available financing options. Since then, Muhammad has received larger loans, cultivated more quantity and better quality of produce and has increased his income gradually. The larger loan sizes enabled him to implement mechanized farming by paying for tractor and harvester rental services. With increased income, Muhammad and his family have experienced changed circumstances as their standards of living have also improved. He has built a new home for his family and has been able to provide quality education to his children.