Digital Financing for Agriculture (DFAC) – Round 2
The Digital Financing for Agriculture Challenge (DFAC) – Round 2 aims to bridge the financial gap for smallholder farmers by leveraging digital solutions. By supporting scalable and sustainable solutions, this initiative empowers agribusinesses, financial institutions, and technology providers to develop and pilot transformative financial products.
Thematic Areas
DFAC 2 is looking to foster technology-driven financial solutions that enhance credit access, improve market efficiencies, and build financial resilience for smallholder farmers. Below are the two key thematic areas—explore how your solution can align with this vision.
Digital Enablement
Innovations such as digital financial services to enhance access to credit, streamline financial transactions, and improve efficiency across the agricultural supply chain. Digitizing the aarthi (commission agent) model and integrating it with financial institutions, which can result in greater accountability and efficiency in the sector. Furthermore, exploring smart access to logistics and storage facilities that aids in reducing post-harvest losses and improving market access. DFAC Round 2 focuses on developing technological products that offer tailored financing options, effectively bridging the gap between technology and financial accessibility for smallholder farmers.
Financing Product
Improving the accessibility and flexibility of agricultural credit products by enabling financial institutions to offer them more easily can further support farmers’ needs. Additionally, innovative financing solutions like electronic warehouse receipt financing, input financing, and credit against movable assets through SECP’s Secured Transaction Registry can be proposed for a more tailored financial support.
Who Can Apply?
DFAC 2 is open to technology-driven entities and financial institutions committed to improving access to finance for smallholder farmers. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to:
- Technology Companies (Fintech and Agritech) – Developing digital lending, credit scoring, and payment solutions for the agriculture sector.
- Infrastructure providers – Supporting produce management, warehouse services, and digital trading ecosystems.
- Banks, NBFCs, and MFIs – Looking to expand agriculture financing portfolios through innovative financial models.
Applicants must demonstrate scalability, sustainability, and financial feasibility in their proposed solutions.
Proposal Development Workshop
Watch the video and learn how to structure, refine, and strengthen your proposal for Digital Financing for Agriculture (DFAC) Round 2 with expert insights.
Key dates
March
18
Application open
March
26
Proposal Development Workshop (Online)
April
14
Applications deadline
May
TBA
Pitch Day
Note: These dates are tentative and subject to change. Venue and event details for Pitches will be communicated to the shortlisted participants.
In case of any queries, email us at dfa@karandaaz.com.pk
Download Term SheetDownload Proposal TemplateDeadline: 14th April 2025
FAQs
DFAC 2 is a grant challenge aimed at improving financial access for smallholder farmers through innovative digital solutions. It funds scalable financial products that address farmers’ credit constraints and enhance financial inclusion. Read more in the [Term Sheet].
Eligible applicants include fintech and agritech startups, banks, NBFCs, MFIs, and infrastructure providers working on innovative financing solutions for smallholder farmers. The solution must align with DFAC’s focus areas. Read more in the [Term Sheet].
Proposals will be evaluated based on innovation, sustainability, market fit, scale potential, and execution capability. Applications must demonstrate clear financial feasibility and impact potential for smallholder farmers.
Grant amounts will be determined based on the proposed solution’s feasibility, impact, and scalability. Applicants must provide a clear grant utilization plan in their proposal.
No, there is no application fee for DFAC 2.
Applications will go through a screening and evaluation process. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further discussions.
Yes, Karandaaz will conduct a proposal development workshop to help applicants strengthen their submissions. For further queries, applicants can email dfa@karandaaz.com.pk. Stay updated through our website and social media channels.
Receive our expert insights and updates
Our Sponsors
