The government will launch a ‘Farmer Card’ with a pilot programme in 11 agricultural blocks this year, Agriculture and Fisheries & Livestock Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid said.
The pilot will be rolled out across different districts in the first phase and expanded nationwide in stages, he said.
“The initiative to launch the Farmer Card has already been taken and will be implemented nationwide in phases,” said Minister said during a meeting with a World Bank delegation on Sunday.
“As part of the first phase, the pilot programme will begin this year in 11 blocks across different districts, which will gradually be expanded across the country,” he added.
The card is expected to help safeguard farmers’ interests, boost agricultural production and ensure sustainable development in the sector, he said.
The meeting was held at the ministry with a World Bank delegation led by Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Jean Pesme.
World Bank representatives expressed interest in increasing investment in Bangladesh’s agriculture sector, particularly in agricultural inputs, agro-processing and market development.
The minister welcomed the proposal, and both sides expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation to promote sustainable agricultural development and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Ministry of Agriculture Secretary Rafiqul I Mohamed, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, senior officials from the agriculture, fisheries, livestock and food ministries, and World Bank Regional Director for Sustainable Development in South Asia Dina Umali-Deininger, among others, were present at the meeting.
