For this stimulus package to work, he suggested three steps.

As the domestic supply chain of agricultural materials has collapsed, the current crisis in the agricultural sector cannot be solved by just giving loans to farmers, Selim said, adding that it is necessary to take measures on how to reinitiate the supply chain of agricultural materials at the field level in compliance with the health regulations.

In this case, Agriculture, Health, Road Transport and Home ministries must work jointly with the local administration and businessmen, he said.

The Sanem executive director said agricultural workers, who travel from different parts of the northern region to work during the Boro paddy cultivation across the country, are unable to travel during this crisis time. “A critical shortage of agricultural workers is occurring in different places of the country for this.”

A similar crisis is seen in summer fruit cultivation. In this case too, the ministries need to work jointly with the local administration to ensure safe passage for agricultural workers in compliance with health regulations, he said.

Selim also urged the government to rethink about the 5 percent interest rate for the stimulus package.

At this particular crisis, he recommended going for interest-free loans under this particular stimulus package. “It’s important to remember that in the coming days, food security will be a major challenge for the vast number of population. For this, the highest importance should be given to the agricultural sector and every effort should be made to ensure that agricultural production is not disrupted.