The Prime Minister inaugurated the ‘Farmer Card’ pre-pilot programme on Pahela Baishakh

The government on Tuesday launched the Farmers’ Card pre-pilot programme in Tangail on Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year, marking another step toward fulfilling its election pledges.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the programme at Shaheed Maruf Stadium, initiating the nationwide rollout around 12:22pm by pressing a button on a laptop and saying “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful).

Following the launch, he handed over Farmers’ Cards and tree saplings to 15 marginal farmers, including Md Abu Kaysar, Md Roman, Shahnur Alam, Md Shah Alam, Zulekha Akhter, Nasima Khanam Sumona, Shilpi, Amena Begum, Nawab Ali, Mohammad Ali, Kabir Hossain, Monowara Akhter, Shamima Akhter, Laila Begum and Tahmina.

Immediately after the programme began, Tk 2,500 was transferred via mobile banking to the accounts of 22,067 farmers across 11 upazilas, with 1,453 beneficiaries in Tangail alone.

The Prime Minister arrived at the stadium at around 11:20am, proceeded directly to the मंच, and greeted farmers by waving.

Organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, the event opened with recitations from the Holy Quran, Gita, Bible and Tripitaka. Thousands of farmers, along with leaders and supporters, filled both the মাঠ and gallery areas, creating a festive Bangla New Year atmosphere.

The programme was presided over by Agriculture Minister Aminur Rashid. Also present were the Prime Minister’s political adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizbi, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock and local MP Sultan Salauddin, FAO Representative in Bangladesh Jiaoqun Shi, and Agriculture Secretary Rafiqul Islam.

The Farmers’ Card initiative aims to directly support and empower farmers, regarded as the backbone of the country’s economy, while introducing modern technology to agriculture and improving livelihoods.

Under the scheme, farmers will receive debit cards linked to bank accounts opened in their names through Sonali Bank. These cards will provide access to services such as fair-priced agricultural inputs, irrigation support, easy loans, subsidies, training, weather updates, crop advice and insurance.

In the initial phase, around 22,067 farmers—including landless, marginal, small, medium and large producers, as well as those involved in fisheries, livestock and salt production—will receive Tk 2,500 annually through the card.

Officials said the programme will begin on a trial basis in 10 districts covering 11 upazilas, with plans to gradually include around 30 lakh farmers. It will be implemented in three stages—pre-pilot, pilot and nationwide rollout. The pre-pilot phase is estimated to cost about Tk 8.34 crore, with a broader pilot in 15 upazilas planned by August and a nationwide expansion over the next four years.

Earlier, the Prime Minister left his Dhaka residence at around 8:58am and travelled by road to Tangail. From early morning, farmers from Tangail Sadar and nearby areas gathered at the stadium, many in colourful attire, expressing excitement at seeing the Prime Minister and being part of the new initiative.

Local representatives described the launch as a historic moment for Tangail, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving farmers’ living standards. Attending farmers also voiced hope that the card would ease their challenges, particularly in accessing seeds, irrigation and financial support.