Factors Affecting Delay in Agricultural Loan Recovery among Small Scale Farmers in Sahiwal Region Pakistan

Effective utilization of agricultural credit effects repaying behavior of farmers and in turn leads towards non-performing loans (NPLs). The NPLs decrease profitability of banks and decrease financial credibility and motivation of farmers. This paper aims to determine the factors which may influence delay in loan repayment among small scale farmers in Sahiwal zone, Pakistan. Proportionate random sampling technique has been adopted by which 110 defaulters were randomly selected from 11 branches of Zarai Taraqiati Bank (ZTBL), which is a leading agriculture development bank of Pakistan. In addition, 30 credit officers were selected from each branch of ZTBL. The primary data was collected through survey of credit officers and small-scale borrowers using structured questionnaires. Finally, the data was summarized using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that input prices, non-farm expenses, high interest rate, loan beneficiary is different, Bank’s SAM policy are major reasons of bank default among small scale farmers. The findings are important for banks management and those involved in policy making related to effective utilization of agriculture credit and reduction in NPLs in agriculture sector in Pakistan.