Khani demands loan at 2% interest for farmers
It has also called for several promotional schemes for farmers in different categories
Because of regional lockdowns and a subsequent ban on the movement of public transport, the markets of goods and other consumable products are getting shrunk to a great extent.
Consequently, farmers are unable to sell their produce, and production may also decline for a shortage of seeds, fertilisers and other agriculture inputs.
In this situation, Food Security Network Bangladesh (Khani) has demanded that farmers be given loans at 2 percent interest rate to help them raise their capital and to ensure their health security.
Terming the loan facility for them announced by the prime minister at 4 percent interest rate as unequal, the organisation said the farmers suffer more than industries and other sectors do.
Khani has also called for several other promotional schemes for the farmers in different categories.
The schemes include providing interest-free cash supports to marginal and small farmers based on their household income.
The schemes also include providing "Health Cards" to farmers at Haor regions before the harvesting of paddy, ensuring smooth shifting of workers in different parts of the country and providing assistance if they are affected.
The organisation also advocates for purchasing 25 lakh tonnes of rice directly from the farmers in the current year.
Khani also urged the government to provide cash support to the farmers in purchasing diesel, and give working capital for poultry farmers and fishermen.
