Agriculture Minister Amin Ur Rashid announced on Saturday that the newly introduced digital "Farmers' Card" will eliminate exploitation by middlemen and establish an integrated national agricultural database.
Speaking to journalists at the Chattogram Circuit House, the minister explained that the card will track regional crop yields and market demands, helping farmers secure fair prices. The system expands beyond traditional crops like rice and wheat to include fish, livestock, salt, coconut and betel leaf producers. Future government subsidies, incentives and welfare assistance will be disbursed exclusively through this card to ensure transparency.
To tackle crop spoilage from poor coordination, the government plans to set up solar-powered mini cold storage facilities at the union level, allowing farmers to store seasonal produce and sell when market prices stabilize.
Minister Rashid also highlighted existing relief measures, noting that agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000 have already been waived and paid off by the state. Addressing food import necessities despite domestic production gains, he cited limited arable land and recurring flash floods in haor regions. Consequently, state researchers are developing early-maturing rice varieties and specialized waterlogged harvesting machinery.
Regarding allegations that local influential groups have seized control of the Chattogram Fishery Ghat landing center, the minister promised a strict legal inquiry. On the rising cost of Hilsa, he affirmed that the government is providing alternative income options and food aid to fishermen during the breeding ban seasons to boost long-term conservation and future export capacity.
