Agrani Bank Ltd, a state-owned commercial bank, took the lead by opening 4,474 farmers’ accounts in the week starting from 3rd February.

The total number of farmers’ accounts opened in the week reached 4,617, the figures released by Bangladesh Bank showed.

Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) and Basic Bank opened 139 and 4 farmers’ accounts respectively during the week.

As the figures showed, no farmers’ account, however, was opened at other state-owned commercial and specialised banks namely Sonali, Rupali, Janata and Bangladesh Krishi Bank in the said period.

Bangladesh Krishi Bank remains at the top in regard of opening farmers’ accounts with the number 2.40 million accumulated so far, while Sonali Bank Ltd opened 2.15 million, Janata Bank 1.41 million, Agrani Bank 1.34 million, Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank 1.34, Rupali Bank 486, 651 and Basic Bank 107 farmers’ accounts. The total accumulated number of farmers’ accounts opened at these banks increased to over 91 million till the week.

Early last year, Bangladesh Bank directed the state-owned commercial and specialised banks to allow the farmers to open accounts at the initial deposit of Tk 10 to get government subsidies without any hassle.

The banks responded widely to the direction given by the central bank and helped the farmers get the government-provided benefits for agriculture sector with more transparently.

Bangladesh Bank Governor dr Atiur rahman said bank accounts for farmers have been opened for free of charge with a nominal initial deposit of only Tk 10. “These accounts are being used to disburse government input subsidies to the farmers. These accounts will also facilitate small savings, revolving loans, remittances etc”, he added.

News: Daily sun/ Bangladesh/Feb-20-2011