The prime minister directed the agriculture ministry to properly implement the programme and start the second phase soon so that the farmers can recoup their crop losses caused by the deluge.

Khaleda gave the directive when State Minister for Agriculture Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir apprised her at her office of the activities and progress of the programme.

Emerging from the meeting thestate minister told reporters that the aid will reach the flood-hit farmers within seven days.

"Funds have been sent to the deputy commissioners of the flood-hit districts," he said, adding, "The DC is the convenor of district Agriculture Rehabilitation Committee and the deputy director of agriculture will work as member secretary." The committees have started procuring seed and fertiliser, he added.

The government has allocated around Tk 49 crore for implementation of the first phase, which is aimed to aid 19 lakh flood-stricken farmer families in 38 districts.

This is the first time that 100 percent of the flood-hit farmers have been brought under the rehabilitation scheme, an official said.

The state minister said this is also for the first time that affected farmers are receiving support of agri-inputs from the government to grow current season's crops.

Under the programme, buffer stocks of seed and seedlings are being made for future, he said.

As per the assessments made until July 25, the agriculture rehabilitation programme will require about Tk 124 crore, he added.