15-yr WB programme for agri-development

The bank has offered endowment fund of US$50 million for successful implementation of the programme, said a press release.

This was disclosed by the WB team led by its Country Director Christine Wallich at a meeting with Agriculture Minister M K Anwar at his office in the city yesterday. Agriculture Secretary Kazi Abul Kashem and other officials of the ministry attended the meeting.

Elaborating the bank's plan, she said, it will take two projects concentrating on reforms of agricultural research institutions and investment in agricultural sector to strengthen research, extension work and training to farmers and fieldworkers.

Welcoming the initiatives of the WB, the minister said, reform is important to make the research effective. He said, "we have identified our challenges for agriculture development. We are prioritising the areas to face those challenges."

He said, support from the donors will be very useful to our endeavors.