1,600 farmers in Shailkupa to receive ‘Farmer Card’ on Pohela Boishakh

Around 1,600 farmers in Shailkupa Upazila of Jhenaidah are set to receive the ‘Farmer Card’ this Pohela Boishakh, a government initiative to provide monthly financial assistance and affordable agricultural inputs.

As part of implementing its election manifesto, the current government is distributing these cards under a pilot project.

The Department of Agricultural Extension has already completed data collection and database entry of marginal farmers.

The news of the Farmer Card distribution has created a joyful atmosphere among farmers in Abaipur Union of Shailkupa.

According to sources at the Shailkupa Upazila Agriculture Office, information of about 1,679 farmers from the Kripalpur block of Abaipur Union has been collected. Among them, 194 farmers were identified as medium and large farmers after verification.

Following online registration and further verification, 1,485 farmers have been nominated as ‘monthly allowance or incentive recipient’ Farmer Card holders.

The local agriculture office said that beneficiary farmers will receive financial assistance of Tk 2,500 per month through the Farmer Card. They will also be able to purchase fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds at fair prices using the same card. Medium and large farmers under the programme will not receive the monthly allowance but will still be able to buy fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides at fair prices using the card.

On Pohela Boishakh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the card distribution programme nationally. Preparations for the inauguration ceremony at Abaipur Kripalpur Government Primary School ground are already underway, and the Prime Minister will join the event virtually.

Beneficiary farmer Alam Molla told the media that no previous government had paid attention to farmers. “The new government is introducing the Farmer Card for us. Officials have already visited our homes to collect documents and photos,” he said, expressing happiness about receiving the card on Pohela Boishakh.

Onion farmer Mithun Ali said that rising prices of fertilizers, seeds, and irrigation water make this programme crucial. “Receiving Tk 2,500 per month through the card will help farmers survive,” he said, expressing gratitude to the government.