Access to agricultural credit for marginal and landless farmers is set to improve under a priority mechanism introduced by the Bangladesh Bank's refinancing scheme, with Farmer Smart Card holders receiving preferential consideration to enhance the flow of formal credit to the rural economy.
Under a circular issued by Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Tuesday, lenders have been instructed to open Tk 10 bank accounts for cardholders and prioritise them in credit allocation, in line with the proposed "Farmers Smart Card Policy-2025" of the Department of Agricultural Extension.
At the same time, banks have been directed not to exclude farmers who do not yet possess smart cards.
The banks have been directed to ensure that marginal and landless farmers without cards are not deprived of access to the refinancing facility.
The circular further emphasised targeted support for farmers who have suffered crop losses due to recent heavy summer rains. Extensive damage to ripe paddy and other standing crops were reported in several regions, particularly in haor areas.
According to the circular, special priority should be given to affected marginal and landless farmers in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Netrokona and Mymensingh, along with other disaster-hit districts.
The refinancing support is intended to provide quick access to working capital so farmers can recover from crop damage, purchase inputs, and resume agricultural activities without delay.
The focused assistance for flood- and rain-affected farmers reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding rural livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience, and sustaining national food production amid increasing weather volatility.
All other terms of the existing refinancing scheme will remain unchanged, the circular added.
Earlier, the government decided to roll out Farmer Smart Cards nationwide to streamline access to subsidies, credit, and agricultural incentives.
Over the next four years, around 16.5 million farmers are expected to be brought under the system.
Fishermen and dairy farmers will also be included in the programme, which aims to reduce long-standing structural barriers in accessing state support.
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