Cumilla: Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today announced that the government is actively working towards making the country’s agriculture sector self-reliant. He emphasized the significance of agriculture to the national economy, noting that about 70 percent of the population relies on this sector either directly or indirectly.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at a ‘Farmer Card’ distribution programme held at the Bibir Bazar High School and College ground in Cumilla Sadar Adarsha Upazila. He highlighted that the introduction of the ‘Farmer Card’ aims to remove middlemen from the agricultural marketing process, ensuring fair prices for farmers.
The initiative provides small, marginal, and landless farmers with Tk 2,500 in incentives, which they can use for purchasing essential agricultural inputs like fertiliser, seeds, and pesticides. The minister also discussed the government’s efforts towards agricultural modernization, mentioning that machinery is being provided to farmers at a 50-70 percent subsidy, facilitated through the farmer card system.
Additionally, he noted the availability of agricultural loans and insurance facilities through the card. The government plans to expand solar-powered irrigation pumps countrywide, with these facilities being offered to ‘Farmer Card’ holders via cooperatives. Such integrated initiatives are expected to contribute significantly to making agriculture self-reliant.
Following the programme, the minister inaugurated an agricultural fair nearby and visited various stalls representing departments and agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture. The event was presided over by Cumilla District Commissioner Md Reza Hasan, with several notable figures in attendance, including Haji Jasim Uddin MP, Atikul Alam Shawon MP, Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu, District Council Administrator Mostak Mia, Agriculture Secretary Dr Rafiqul E Mohame, and Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Md Delwar Hossain.