Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced a new stimulus package of Tk 5,000 crore to give financial assistance to small and medium farmers and help them face the fallout of Covid-19.

"Bangladesh Bank will formulate a new refinancing scheme of Tk 5,000 crore to pump running capital into the agricultural sector. We'll create this Tk 5,000 crore stimulus package only for the agricultural sector. We'll disburse money from this fund among farmers at only 5 percent interest," she said.

The PM came up with the package while delivering her introductory speech in a video conference from the Gono Bhaban with government officials from 16 districts under Khulna and Barishal divisions.

The money from this fund will be disbursed among small and medium farmers, including that of poultry and dairy sector, in rural areas, she said.

Besides, the existing disbursement of loan at 4 percent interest rate for spice items will continue, Hasina added.

Noting that the government has already allocated Tk 100 crore for the agriculture ministry for the mechanisation of harvesting process of crops, she said the government would also allocate another Tk 100 crore in this regard.

Hasina said the government would also allocate Tk 150 crore for the distribution of seeds and seedlings among the affected farmers so that agricultural production does not hamper.

She said directives have already been given to the administration and the law enforcement agencies to allow the movement of people engaged in harvesting crops and facilitate the supply chain.

The PM asked the authorities concerned to arrange a weekly haat (makeshift market) in an open field in every area maintaining social distancing so that the farmers can sell their produce.

"Bangladesh is mainly an agriculture-dependent country. Our agricultural activities will have to continue. The most important thing is that it'll have to ensure food security," she said.

Mentioning that the land of the country is very fertile, she said, "If we can produce food properly, we'll also be able to help many others [countries] meeting our demand. So, we'll have to continue the production so that the people of the country don't suffer."

To ensure fair prices for farmers, the government will procure two lakh tonnes of paddy and rice extra this season than the previous one, Hasina said.

Mentioning that the government has taken various stimulus packages and assistance, she said the government is always ready to help all kind of people, including farmers, workers, labourers, weavers, blacksmiths, and fishermen.

The PM asked the local administrations and locals to keep their respective areas protected so that no outsiders can suddenly go there.

She urged the people to be very careful over the novel coronavirus and follow the regular government directives as this virus is highly contagious.

Later, the PM exchanged views with the government officials, local representatives and the people of Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Meherpur, Bhola, Satkhira, Patuakhali, Jhenidah, Magura, Pirojpur, Kushtia, Jashore, Narial, Barishal, and Khulna.

During the views-exchange, Hasina warned that if anyone is involved in corruption over the relief distribution during this disaster will not be spared.

She also greeted the Christian community on the occasion of Easter Sunday.

PM's Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus moderated the video conference.

On April 7, the PM held a video conference with government officials from 15 districts under Chattogram and Sylhet divisions to discuss coronavirus outbreaks there.

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