Bangladesh Bank has significantly increased its agriculture and rural credit target for the 2026–27 fiscal year, setting a new lending goal of Tk60,000 crore to boost farm productivity, strengthen food security and support rural economic growth.

The new target, announced on Monday, marks an increase of Tk21,000 crore from the previous fiscal year’s target of Tk39,000 crore—an expansion of nearly 54%.

Governor Mostakur Rahman unveiled the new Agriculture and Rural Credit Policy and Programme at a press conference held at the central bank’s headquarters in Dhaka.

According to Bangladesh Bank, the agriculture and rural credit target stood at Tk38,000 crore in FY2024–25 before being raised to Tk39,000 crore in FY2025–26. The latest increase represents the largest year-on-year expansion in recent years.

The central bank said the higher lending target is aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, containing inflation and reducing poverty. It believes greater access to financing will enable farmers to expand production while creating new employment opportunities in rural areas.

Under the new policy, Bangladesh Bank has also emphasized improving farmers’ access to credit and encouraging greater investment in the agriculture sector. The central bank expects the initiative to strengthen domestic food production and contribute to broader economic recovery.