Farmers can get loans up to Tk10 lakh for goat farming

The Bangladesh Bank has announced that farmers will be able to avail themselves of loans of up to Tk10 lakh for goat farming under its agricultural loan scheme.

The facility will be available for rearing a maximum of 50 goats, with the interest rate set at 4%.

The central bank today (12 August) unveiled its Agricultural and Rural Credit Policy and Programme for the fiscal year 2025–26. 

Alongside provisions for various types of livestock farming, the policy includes specific guidelines for goat farming.

According to the policy, a loan of no more than Tk10 lakh can be provided for rearing up to 50 goats. 

Loans sanctioned for small-scale farms of up to 50 goats, including one-time financing for shed construction, will be considered agricultural loans.

However, loans for farms with more than 50 goats, deemed large-scale or commercial ventures, will not qualify as agricultural loans.

The policy also states that priority must be given to women and marginal farmers when selecting loan recipients. 

Bank branches will be required to keep records of loans disbursed under this scheme and provide the information to Bangladesh Bank or the bank's head office if requested.

For the fiscal year 2025–26, the Bangladesh Bank has set the target for agricultural loan disbursement at Tk390 billion, up from Tk380 billion in the previous fiscal year.