BB asks banks to prioritise credit for farmers hit by heavy rainfall

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed all
scheduled banks to give priority to farmers affected by recent heavy rainfall
in receiving agricultural credit under its refinancing scheme, aiming to
support recovery efforts and protect farm production in vulnerable regions.
The directive was issued through a
Financial Inclusion Department (FID) circular today (2 June).
According to the circular, banks have been asked
to ensure quick and priority-based loan disbursement to farmers in
flood-affected haor and other areas where intense rainfall has damaged crops
and disrupted agricultural activities.
The central bank said farmers in districts such
as Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Netrokona and Moulvibazar have
suffered significant losses due to recent adverse weather conditions, making
timely access to credit crucial for restoring agricultural production and
livelihoods.
To facilitate the process, BB also instructed
banks to prioritise Krishak Smart Card holders while extending loans from the
refinancing fund for marginal and landless farmers, sharecroppers, small
account holders and micro-enterprises.
The move is aimed at ensuring that affected
farmers can obtain working capital quickly for crop rehabilitation, purchasing
agricultural inputs and continuing farming operations despite weather-related
setbacks.
The central bank, however, clarified that
eligible farmers should not be denied access to loans solely because they have
not yet received a Krishak Smart Card.
Bangladesh Bank said the special emphasis on
flood-affected farmers reflects its commitment to supporting rural communities
facing climate-induced challenges and maintaining food production across the
country.
All other provisions of the existing refinancing
scheme will remain unchanged, the circular added.
















