Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the government’s new ‘Farmer Card’ programme in Tangail Sadar Upazila on Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year.
The decision was confirmed at a meeting of the Farmer Card preparing cell at the Secretariat on Tuesday, with the Prime Minister in the chair, said the PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.
Under the pre-pilot phase, the Prime Minister will distribute the cards to farmers in Tangail Sadar. The programme will also be launched simultaneously in 10 other upazilas across the country.
In the first phase, 21,500 farmers will receive financial assistance through mobile banking. The cards, which act as debit cards, will provide an annual incentive of Tk 2,500 to landless, marginal and small-scale farmers for purchasing seeds, fertiliser, pesticides and animal feed.
Apart from Tangail, the programme will cover Panchagarh Sadar, Boda, Shibganj Upazila in Bogura, Shailkupa in Jhenaidah, Nesarabad Upazila in Pirojpur, Teknaf Upazila in Cox’s Bazar, Adarsha Sadar Upazila in Cumilla, Islampur Upazila in Jamalpur, Goalanda Upazila in Rajbari and Juri Upazila in Moulvibazar.
Officials said the card will help build a comprehensive database of farmers, ensure more transparent delivery of subsidies and loans, and facilitate efficient distribution of agricultural inputs.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed authorities to expedite preparations for nationwide rollout, stressing the use of modern technology for digital management of farmers’ information.
Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid, State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, LGRD and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shahe Alam, and Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, IT, and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad attended the meeting, along with senior ministry officials.
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