8 Sidr-hit Dists in Barisal Region
Only 27pc of agri loan target attained by December
The four nationalised commercial banks -- Sonali, Rupali, Agrani, Janata--and Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) failed to attain any satisfactory level of the Tk 1,300 core loan disbursement target in Sidr affected areas in eight districts in the region for agricultural rehabilitation.
Of the Tk 1,300O crore, Tk 700 core was approved for distribution through BKB and the rest Tk 600 crore by the four nationalised banks. Of the amounts, Tk 450 crore was placed under the disposal of the banks for disbursement till December 30.
Statements submitted on December 30 by the banks to the central bank revealed that only Tk 120 core out of Tk 450 crore was disbursed. This is only 27 percent of the funds placed, sources in the banks said.
The eight districts are Barisal, Jhalakati, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Bhola and Patuakhali under Barisal division and Shariatpur and Madaripur districts under Dhaka division.
Bank sources said the central bank and the finance ministry directed the five nationalised banks to complete disbursement of 80 per cent of Tk 450 core by December last year.
The funds were placed on emergency basis for severely affected agricultural sector and help farmers to recoup crop damage by Sidr and ensure at least 8.5 lakh ton food grains production in the coming Irri-Boro season.
The sources said that Sonali Bank disbursed only Tk15.25 core, Janata Tk13.5 core, Agrani Tk.11 core, Rupali Tk 1.42 core and BKB Tk 79 core during the period.
More than 72 per cent of the loan disbursement target is yet to be achieved while the Irri-Boro season is already in its half-way.
Contacted, bank officials said the funds could not be disbursed as the affected people are still running after relief. The target will be achieved by March, they claimed.
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