Heifer International, in partnership with BRAC Bank, has initiated direct agricultural loan disbursement to women farmers engaged in vegetable and flower cultivation. On 24 September 2025, an open loan disbursement ceremony was held at the SRDI Hall Room in Jashore.
Mrs. Nilufar Ferdous, Additional Director of the Agriculture Department, Bangladesh Bank, attended the program as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished guests included Md. Mossarraf Hossain, Deputy Director of DAE; Md. Mostafizur Rahman, District Cooperative Officer; Md. Abu Sayed, Head of BRAC Bank’s South Bengal Region; Maruf Hossain of Green Delta Insurance; and Md. Motasim Ahmed, Principal Scientific Officer of SRDI. The event was chaired by Mr. Jahangir Basunia, Associate Director of Heifer International.
At the event, a total of 18 cooperative members received agricultural loans amounting to BDT 13 lakh. Organizers mentioned that this initiative will soon be scaled up as cooperative members are showing strong interest and trust in BRAC Bank’s simplified loan process.
Expressing her feelings, Rabeya Begum, a member of Jarbara Cooperative, said, “Banks usually don’t want to give loans to women farmers. Without collateral or a guarantor, a bank is unwilling to disburse a loan to farmers. But with the support from Heifer International, this time BRAC Bank came forward to support smallholder farmers.”
Women borrowers attending the event praised the faster and easier loan system introduced by BRAC Bank. In her speech, Mrs. Ferdous encouraged women farmers to actively approach banks and lodge complaints with Bangladesh Bank’s Khulna office if they face inadequate support. She also commended women farmers who revived their flower production after suffering losses from heavy rains and storms.
