Information and Broadcasting Minister M Jahir Uddin Swapan has announced plans to bring genuine farmers under direct state support as part of efforts to strengthen Bangladesh’s agriculture and economy.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Kaplatoli Canal Re-excavation Project in Gournadi, Barisal at 11:00am on Sunday, the minister emphasized that the nation’s economy cannot be sustainable without increasing farmers’ production capacity.
To reduce the role of intermediaries and ensure transparency, the government will provide fertilizers, seeds, and irrigation incentives directly to farmers through a new “Agriculture Card” system.
“Agriculture is the life force of Bangladesh. The food security will be ensured only when farmers receive fair prices for their produced agriculture product and necessary support,” the minister said in a press release issued by the Information Ministry.
Highlighting the importance of high-quality seeds, he added, “Farmers often suffer losses due to inferior seeds. If improved varieties are supplied in a planned manner, the same land can yield much higher harvests. This will increase farmers’ income and significantly reduce dependence on food imports.”
The minister also noted that many farmers still rely on traditional cultivation methods. “Modern agricultural machinery must be made accessible to farmers. Increased use of technology will save both labour and time, making farming more profitable. Modern technology must be integrated into cultivation,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Swapan stressed that strengthening the agriculture-based economy is a key part of the government’s long-term strategy. He said production alone is not enough; proper irrigation management and modern crop preservation techniques must also spread among farmers. To achieve this, he directed that agricultural training and advisory services at the field level be further intensified.