Bangladesh Bank has set a target to disburse Tk 60,000 crore in agricultural loans during the 2026–27 fiscal year to boost agricultural production, strengthen food security and create employment in rural areas.

The loans will be distributed through all scheduled banks operating in the country and will cover agriculture, dairy, poultry and various agriculture-related activities, including the construction of cold storage facilities, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said.

He disclosed the information in a written reply to a question from reserved women’s seat MP Mosa. Farida Yasmin in Parliament on Sunday (September 6).

The minister said the lending programme aims not only to increase agricultural output but also to strengthen food security and expand employment opportunities in rural communities.

According to the information presented in Parliament, the Tk 60,000 crore agricultural credit target will include loans for establishing poultry and dairy farms. Credit facilities will also be available against agricultural products stored in warehouses and cold storage facilities, subject to applicable rules.

The government has also placed special emphasis on developing agricultural infrastructure, including cold storage facilities, as part of an initiative to establish agriculture-based special economic centres in the northern region.

To support this initiative, Bangladesh Bank formed a Tk 3,000 crore refinancing fund through ACD-1 Circular No. 2 issued on July 6. The fund provides financing for modern and environmentally friendly cold storage facilities, crop production, fisheries and livestock, agricultural and irrigation equipment, and various income-generating activities.

The initiative is intended to support the entire agricultural value chain, from production and storage to marketing.

Meanwhile, another Tk 10,000 crore refinancing scheme, established through ACD Circular No. 01 issued on June 8, is being used to continue rural credit disbursement through the banking sector.

The government expects effective use of these refinancing funds to increase investment in agriculture and related sectors, stimulate rural economic activity, create employment and contribute to stronger food security.