NRBC Bank eyes more lending to farms, small businesses

NRBC Bank PLC is looking to expand lending to farmers and small businesses in northern Bangladesh by increasing the use of Bangladesh Bank’s refinancing schemes.
The bank reviewed lending opportunities and the progress of its agriculture and cottage, micro, small and medium enterprise (CMSME) financing schemes at a meeting in Bogura recently, according to a press release.
Md Shaheen Howlader, deputy managing director and chief business officer of NRBC Bank, attended the meeting as the chief guest.
Participants discussed ways to improve access to credit under the bank’s NRBC Sufola and NRBC Goti schemes, identify potential borrowers and ensure loans reach farmers and entrepreneurs engaged in agricultural and small business activities.
The meeting covered three Bangladesh Bank refinancing facilities: Tk10,000 crore for agriculture and rural sectors, Tk5,000 crore for CMSME working capital, and Tk3,000 crore to develop an agriculture-based economic hub in northern Bangladesh.
The discussions also covered financing for farm production, storage, transportation, processing and marketing, areas that can help farmers reduce post-harvest losses and improve access to markets.
Shaheen Howlader said effective use of the refinancing schemes could support agricultural production, small business growth and job creation. He stressed proper borrower selection, timely loan disbursement and stronger recovery monitoring to ensudre the funds are used effectively.
Md Ramjan Ali Bhuiyan, head of the SME-Agri Business Department; Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, head of CRMD-SME; Asim Kumar Das, head of the Rajshahi Zone; Himadri Shekhar Dube, head of the Rangpur Zone; and branch and sub-branch managers also attended the meeting.