United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit on Friday said the government will introduce crop insurance for farmers to help compensate losses caused by natural disasters. He made the announcement while inaugurating the government’s Boro paddy procurement drive for the current season. The programme was jointly organised by the district administration and the Directorate General of Food at the government silo on the town’s Rail Road. Addressing the event as the chief guest, the state minister said the crop insurance scheme will provide financial protection for farmers affected by floods, storms, droughts and other natural calamities, reducing their vulnerability and ensuring greater security in agricultural production. He also said the government has already begun implementing its election pledges for farmers through the introduction of Farmers’ Card, which enabled them to purchase agricultural inputs at subsidised prices and access low-interest agricultural loans when needed. Amit said the government has also waived agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 in line with its commitments to support the farmer community. Highlighting the country’s agricultural progress, he said the foundation of Bangladesh’s agricultural advancement was laid by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman through initiatives, including canal excavation programme and the introduction of improved fertilisers, seeds and agricultural machinery. The state minister said the current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has revitalised those initiatives to sustain the momentum in the agricultural sector. Despite global challenges, he said, the government’s efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity, diesel and fertiliser in line with farmers’ needs have contributed to a bumper Boro harvest this season. Amit warned officials concerned against any irregularities in paddy procurement and stressed ensuring fair prices for farmers. The state minister formally launched the Boro procurement drive by purchasing paddy directly from marginal farmers. He later planted a tree on the venue premises. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ashek Hasan presided over the programme. Superintendent of Police Syed Rafiqul Islam, District Controller of Food Safaur Rahman, Sadar Upazila Food Officer Md Mamunur Rahman, District Council Administrator Delwar Hossain Khokon, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shahriar Haque and district BNP President Advocate Syed Saberul Haque Sabu, among others, were present. Safaur Rahman said the procurement target for Jashore district this Boro season has been set at 15,166 tonnes, with the government fixing the procurement price of paddy at Tk 36 per kilogram. Farmers welcomed the government procurement initiative, saying it will help them receive fair prices for their produce.