Bangladesh plans Farmer Cards for 4.3 million recipients this fiscal year

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed authorities Tuesday to complete a comprehensive and transparent national farmer database by December to ensure government assistance reaches genuine beneficiaries.

Rahman also ordered officials to verify the information properly and protect farmers’ rights, deputy press secretary Hasan Shiplu said after a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Farmer Card will carry the holder’s photograph and a quick response code. It will include information on the farmer’s identity, agricultural production, government assistance and access to agricultural market services.

Officials said the process of opening bank accounts for farmers has begun. Cards will be distributed in phases after preparations are completed.

About 4.3 million farmers are expected to receive cards during the current fiscal year. The government plans to enroll nearly 20 million farmers nationwide within three years.

The program is intended to accelerate access to subsidies, concessional agricultural loans, incentives and other government support.