Dhaka: Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced plans for the government to start distributing smart ‘Farmers Cards’ on a pilot basis, aiming to incorporate cultivators into various benefit schemes. The initiative is designed to offer farmers a similar system to the existing family cards, facilitating direct access to resources and information.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Minister Swapan discussed the upcoming pilot project during a meeting at the Secretariat, emphasizing the government’s commitment to launching the ‘Farmers Card’ as soon as possible. However, he refrained from specifying whether the distribution would commence before Eid, citing several preparatory challenges.
The minister highlighted the card’s advantages, noting that it would provide farmers with essential agricultural support, including knowledge, machinery, fertiliser, and seeds. Additionally, the card system aims to integrate market conditions, production data, and weather information, enabling better planning and resource allocation.
Addressing concerns about potential misuse, Minister Swapan assured that the smart card system is designed to eliminate middlemen and ensure direct communication between farmers and the state. This direct approach aims to streamline problem-solving and enhance planning efficiency, benefiting the agricultural sector as a whole.