The government has decided to launch a “Farmer Card” program on a pilot basis in nine upazilas across the country’s eight divisions, aiming to bring transformative changes to the agricultural sector.
Following the completion of the pre-pilot and pilot phases, the government plans to implement the program nationwide within the next four years.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday, the decision came from a high-level review meeting held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat on Wednesday with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair.
The selected upazilas for the pilot phase are Tangail Sadar, Shibganj in Bogura, Panchagarh Sadar, Islampur in Jamalpur, Shailkupa in Jhenaidah, Nesarabad in Pirojpur, Juri in Moulvibazar, Comilla Sadar, and Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar.
The program will initially be implemented in these areas, and based on the experience and outcomes, it will gradually be expanded to other parts of the country.
Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly confirmed that the experimental program will be officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister on April 14, coinciding with the celebration of Pohela Boishakh.
To facilitate the implementation process, detailed data on farmers of all categories in the selected areas will be collected within the next 45 days during the pre-pilot phase. Based on the collected information, farmer cards will be distributed in nine designated blocks across the nine upazilas.
The press secretary added that after completing the pre-pilot and pilot stages, the government aims to expand the Farmer Card program nationwide within four years.
Farmers holding the card will be able to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs at fair prices. Government financial assistance and subsidies will also be transferred directly to their bank accounts.
Special priority will be given to landless and small-scale farmers, a move that officials believe will play a significant role in strengthening the rural economy.
