43 Lakh Farmers to Receive Farmer Cards This Year
The government plans to bring 43 lakh farmers under the Farmer Card programme this year, with more than 1 lakh farmers set to receive agricultural input assistance during its pilot phase.
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In a Nutshell:
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said 43 lakh farmers will receive Farmer Cards this year.
- In the first phase, 110,165 farmers are being brought under the programme, with 100,047 farmers set to receive Tk 2,500 each as agricultural input assistance.
- A total of 7,643 farmers in Feni will receive printed copies of the cards.
- The programme’s opening phase will cover 77 upazilas across 56 districts.
- Of these, 13 upazilas will be connected directly, while the remaining 64 will also participate in the programme.
- The government plans to extend Farmer Cards to all farmers in the country over the next two and a half to three years.
Why It Matters
Agricultural input costs can place considerable pressure on farmers, particularly those with limited resources. Providing direct assistance with inputs such as seeds and fertilisers may help reduce some of that financial burden and create a system for delivering government assistance to identified farmers. As the initiative expands, it is important to prioritise maintaining transparent selection criteria, accurate records, and timely and accessible distribution.
What We Think
A Farmer Card makes direct financial reach to small and disadvantaged farmers and makes agriculture more stable at the local level. Now, expanding the digital database may speed up subsidy payments and reduce misuse or delays. We look forward to a transparent process that ensures that the actual needy farmers receive it.