DHAKA: Bangladesh Bank on Wednesday declared an agriculture loan policy with a target to distribute Tk 12,600 crore for the current fiscal year.

The policy for the very first time has included purchase of solar irrigation pump.

BB governor Dr. Atiur Rahman announced the policy at Bank’s conference hall.

“The policy includes new sectors like farming orange, agor, strawberry, betel leaf and honey under loan agriculture facilities.  Tissue culture and expensive crops will also get the loan,” Atiur said.

He said that the government wants to patronize possibilities in jute sector that has been reflected in the new loan policy.

The policy also encourages palm farming. At present, palm farming is taking place in 27 districts of the country, according to the Agriculture Extension Directorate.

The policy incorporated loan facilities for women engaged in agriculture based economic sectors and also to the disabled persons.

It also addresses the impact of climate change on agriculture.

BDST: 1741 HRS. JULY 21, 2010