1,10,364 Farmers to Receive Farmer Card Incentives on Pilot Launch Day–Agriculture Minister

Feni, 12 September:

Agriculture and Fisheries & Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid has said that 1,10,364 farmers will receive incentives under the Farmer Card programme on the inaugural day of its pilot phase.

The minister made the statement while briefing journalists after inspecting the venue of the inaugural ceremony of the Farmer Card, Family Card, and monthly honorarium allowances for Imams, Muazzins, Khadims, Purohits and Sebayets, at the Government Pilot School Field in Fulgazi upazila of Feni district today, ahead of the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Feni.
The Agriculture Minister said preparations are underway for the inauguration ceremony scheduled for September 17. On the inaugural day of the pilot phase, 1,10,364 Farmer Card-enrolled farmers across the country will receive an incentive of Tk 2,500 each, while 7,643 farmers in Feni district will receive printed Farmer Cards. The Farmer Card distribution programme will gradually be expanded to every upazila, union and block across the country. The government plans to bring more than two crore farmers under the Farmer Card programme within the stipulated timeframe, he added.
The minister said there would be no scope for discrimination in distributing Farmer Cards. Genuine farmers from all categories-including marginal, small, landless, medium and large farmers-will be brought under the programme. He said the government’s objective is to ensure that farmers receive fertiliser and seeds at fair prices and get fair prices for their agricultural produce. Through the Farmer Card, necessary government support will be delivered to genuine farmers in a more organised, transparent and accountable manner.

Responding to a question from journalists about fertiliser, Agriculture Minister said there is no fertiliser shortage in the country. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to create an artificial crisis, harass farmers or sell fertiliser at excessive prices.
He reiterated that the government has a zero-tolerance policy toward irregularities and corruption involving fertiliser.
The minister said fertiliser is imported in a planned manner after taking into account the country’s annual demand. Demand varies depending on the agricultural season, and supply and stocks are ensured accordingly. Therefore, there is no reason for a fertiliser shortage in the country, he said.
The Agriculture Minister further said reports had been received that fertiliser was being stored at different locations by people other than authorised dealers. If fertiliser that is supposed to be kept with dealers is found in another warehouse or in the possession of any individual, the matter is being investigated.
The ministry has already formed several teams to monitor the situation. These teams are working from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm to take immediate action whenever reports of irregularities related to fertiliser are received.
The minister said some unscrupulous individuals cause losses to farmers, society and the country as a whole. If investigations establish the truth of any irregularities involving fertiliser, action will be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law. He added that unscrupulous traders would soon realise that there is no scope for such irregularities.
Responding to a question about the development of char areas, the Agriculture Minister said the government is working with great importance to modernise agriculture in the country’s char areas and make it more productive. Plans are being formulated to determine how the country’s various char areas can be developed in a timely and sustainable manner and how agricultural production in these areas can be increased, he said.
The minister said there is significant potential for producing short-duration winter crops and other promising agricultural commodities in char areas. Agricultural extension services, selection of suitable crops, and the provision of necessary technologies and support can help further develop agriculture in these areas, he added.
Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension Md. Abdur Rahim and Feni Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mahbubul Karim were present at the time.

Later, the minister attended a views-exchange meeting as the chief guest at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Feni, on the occasion of the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Feni.