United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reached Tangail on Tuesday to formally launch the ‘Farmers’ Card’ pre-piloting programme on Pahela Boishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year. He arrived at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in the district town at around 11:20am where several thousand people gathered to attend the launching ceremony. Since early morning, farmers from Tangail Sadar and nearby areas streamed into the stadium, creating a festive atmosphere marked by Bangla New Year celebrations. Many farmers, dressed in colourful attire, expressed excitement at seeing the Prime Minister and becoming part of the government’s new initiative. According to officials, the Prime Minister left his residence in Dhaka at around 8:58am and travelled by road directly to the venue to inaugurate the programme. A large stage was set up at the stadium for the event organised by the Ministry of Agriculture. The Farmers’ Card distribution marks the beginning of a pre-pilot initiative being launched simultaneously in 11 upazilas across the country. Local representatives described the day as historic for the people of Tangail, saying the programme reflects the government’s commitment to improving farmers’ livelihoods, as pledged in its election manifesto. Under the initiative, farmers will receive a special debit card linked to a bank account, enabling them to access various services, including fair-priced agricultural inputs, irrigation support, easy loans, subsidies, training, weather forecasts, crop protection advice, insurance and improved market access. In the initial phase, more than 22,000 farmers have been registered, including landless, marginal, small, medium and large farmers, as well as those involved in fisheries, livestock and salt production. Landless, marginal and small farmers will receive Tk 2,500 annually through the card. In Tangail, around 1,500 farmers are set to receive the card while the Prime Minister is expected to hand over cards to a small number of beneficiaries on stage. Farmers attending the event expressed hope that the card would ease their struggles, particularly in accessing seeds, irrigation and financial support. The Farmers’ Card programme will be implemented in three phases — pre-pilot, pilot and nationwide rollout — with plans to gradually bring all farmers in the country under its coverage.