The bank is promoting farmers-friendly policies in the country and launching schemes for the agriculture sector, he said in a ceremony held at zonal office of the bank.

He said a lot of schemes for the welfare of farmers and landholders were underway.

"The bank is seriously working on opening more than 150 branches in all the four provinces in the country to facilitate people associated with the sector," he added.

He said last year President Asif Ali Zardari had announced a grand package for bank employees which included an attractive salary package and bonus to encourage them.

To a question, he clarified that the Benazir Tractor Scheme was launched for one year only.

He said the government was providing fertiliser and seed at controlled rates to all farmers.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011