In the new fiscal year, 4.25 million farmers in 100 sub-districts across the country will receive farmer cards. This was announced by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in Parliament on Thursday. He proposed an initial allocation of 1026 crore BDT for the farmer card program in the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The Finance Minister stated that the government has officially launched the farmer card program on April 14 to bring fundamental changes in the agricultural sector and provide 10 services to marginalized communities. In the current 2025-26 fiscal year, 22,655 farmers in 11 sub-districts of 10 districts across 8 divisions have been provided with cards as a pre-pilot initiative. This special card also covers crop farmers, livestock farmers, and salt farmers.
Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said that in the next fiscal year, 4.25 million farmers in 100 sub-districts will be provided with farmer cards, and the government plans to provide all farmers with these cards in phases. Through this card, landless, marginal, and small farmers will receive an annual cash assistance of 2,500 BDT, along with 10 other multifaceted benefits as per the current government's election promises.
The Finance Minister mentioned that the government plans to introduce agricultural insurance to tackle natural disaster risks and ensure stability in agricultural production. To strengthen the agricultural sector, agricultural and rural loan activities will be expanded through scheduled banks. Additionally, to reduce import dependency, loans at 4% interest will continue for pulse, oilseed, spice, and maize cultivation. At the same time, loans at 4% interest for salt cultivation in coastal areas and 5% interest for farmers in hilly districts through the Bangladesh Agriculture Bank (BAB) will continue.
