BB unveils Tk 3,000cr scheme for agro-processing centres

Bangladesh Bank has unveiled a Tk 3,000 crore refinancing scheme to set up specialised agricultural processing centers across the country, aiming to cut post-harvest losses and help farmers get better prices. 

Under the programme, farmers and agro-entrepreneurs can get loans at a maximum interest rate of 7 per cent for activities ranging from crop production to storage, processing, marketing, and even export. 

The borrowing limits vary: up to Tk30 lakh for farming, Tk40 lakh for storage and processing, Tk40 lakh for agro-processing and value addition and Tk15 lakh for exports. 

The scheme will run for three years, initially covering 16 districts in Rajshahi and Sylhet divisions. 

Officials say the lack of modern storage and preservation facilities forces many farmers to sell their produce cheaply or watch it rot. This initiative supports cold storage, eco-friendly preservation, warehousing, and processing machinery. 

The central bank expects it to boost rural jobs, raise farm incomes, and strengthen agricultural exports. The refinancing agreement was signed on August 31 with 38 participating banks, witnessed by Deputy Governor K.M. Salim Hossain.