Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said that the government’s decision to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000 for marginal farmers will help strengthen the rural economy and provide relief to small-scale agricultural producers.
Speaking at the Bangladesh Agro-Industry Media Award-2025 ceremony held at the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) conference room in Dhaka’s Gulshan on Saturday, he said the waiver - covering both principal and interest - would directly benefit vulnerable farmers and support agricultural sustainability.
He noted that the economy is currently facing significant fiscal pressures, citing large volumes of external debt, domestic liabilities, and rising non-performing loans. Despite this, he described the loan waiver as a “historic step” aimed at protecting marginal farmers and ensuring continued growth in the agriculture sector.
The minister emphasised that agriculture remains a key driver of Bangladesh’s GDP and employment generation. Strengthening the sector, he said, is essential for achieving long-term and inclusive economic development.
Swapon also pointed out the country’s ongoing structural shift from an agriculture-based economy to an industrial and technology-driven one. He stressed the need for greater technological integration, value addition, and technical expertise in agro-processing to enhance competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.
He said transforming raw agricultural products into processed goods would create new business opportunities and boost exports. He also highlighted the role of quality journalism in identifying challenges and opportunities in the sector, adding that the Ministry would compile agricultural reports and share them with policymakers for future planning.
The event was chaired by PRAN Group Managing Director Md Eleash Mridha and attended by senior media professionals and industry representatives, where seven journalists were recognised for excellence in agriculture reporting across print, television and online platforms.
