United News of Bangladesh

Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Monday said that the government will soon begin distributing smart ‘Farmers Cards’ similar to family cards on pilot basis, to bring cultivators under various benefit schemes. “We are basically discussing providing our farmers with a smart card like a family card. We are going to launch the pilot project of the ‘Farmers Card’ as soon as possible,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting on the proposed ‘Farmers Card’ at the Secretariat. When asked whether the card distribution would begin before Eid, the minister said it was not possible to specify a timeline at this stage, as several preparatory issues are involved. Farmers and marginal people's welfare key pledge of government: Fisheries and Livestock Minister The relevant ministries are working to determine how it can be done in the shortest possible time, he added. Explaining the benefits of the card, the minister said farmers will receive all types of support related to agricultural production through the smart card system. “A farmer will get access to agricultural knowledge, machinery, fertiliser, pesticides, seeds and other necessary inputs though the card. Besides, we will be able to bring market conditions, production data and weather information under a smart system. Based on that data, we will be able to formulate proper planning,” he said. Responding to a question on whether genuine farmers would receive the cards or if influential local figures might take advantage, the minister said the smart system is being introduced specifically to prevent middlemen from benefiting. “We are moving toward a smart ‘Farmers Card’ to ensure that no middlemen can take undue advantage or create leakage. Once a smart ‘Farmers Card’ is handed to a farmer, his or her communication with the state will be direct,” Minister Swapan said. There will be no intermediaries and any problems faced by farmers will be directly known to the state, which will make planning much easier, he added.