Dhaka, Bangladesh, March 20 -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $14.2 million loan to support the expansion plans of Sylvan Agriculture Limited (SAL), a PRAN-RFL Group (PRAN) company.

The fund will help enhance inclusiveness in the agribusiness sector by lifting the incomes and skills of farmers-particularly women.

PRAN is one of the largest food and agribusiness companies in Bangladesh.

ADB's assistance will finance new food processing facilities to produce potato chips, potato flakes, and pasta. Under a gender action plan, women will comprise at least half of the 450 people directly employed in the new facilities.

Gender wage gaps will be reduced, women's facilities introduced, and greater technological assistance provi...