The government will introduce crop insurance to protect farmers from losses caused by natural disasters, Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said on Wednesday.

“If crops are damaged by floods or other natural calamities, farmers will be compensated through insurance so that they do not suffer financial losses,” the minister said while speaking at a programme in Cumilla.

The minister said the government is working consistently to implement its pre-election pledges. “Many believed these commitments would remain only on paper, but after assuming office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been implementing them.”

Amin noted that initiatives such as family cards, farmer cards, and honorariums for imams and muezzins are already being rolled out. “Though these initiatives faced criticism initially, they are now being effectively implemented after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party assumed power.”

Highlighting the importance of agriculture, the minister said it remains the backbone of the country’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population. Ensuring financial security for farmers is therefore a top priority.

Amin said various support programmes are being implemented to assist farmers, and the introduction of crop insurance would significantly reduce risks from natural disasters. “The government has already taken steps to strengthen farmers’ financial capacity through incentives, assistance, and easier access to agricultural loans. Such initiatives will be expanded further in the future.”

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On food security, the minister assured that the country has sufficient food stocks to meet demand for the next few months, adding that the government is working to ensure no one faces a food crisis.

After the programme, the minister distributed 30kg of rice each among 1,879 beneficiaries in Amratali union under the ‘khaddobandhob karmashuchi’ (Food Friendly Program).