B Mirror Report: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today informed the Jatiya Sangsad that the government has undertaken a range of timely initiatives to advance the country’s agricultural sector, addressing challenges such as climate change, population growth, shrinking arable land, and technological constraints.

Speaking during a news session, the Prime Minister said agriculture remains the backbone of the national economy, playing a vital role in ensuring food security, reducing poverty, and supporting overall economic growth. However, he noted that the sector is under increasing pressure due to multiple emerging challenges.

To tackle these issues and make agriculture more sustainable and profitable, he highlighted the launch of the “Farmer Card” on April 14. Through this initiative, farmers will receive access to a wide range of services, including affordable agricultural inputs, irrigation support, low-interest loans, subsidies, training, weather updates, crop protection advice, insurance facilities, and improved market access.

Responding to a starred question from lawmaker Md Robiul Awal, the Prime Minister said the government plans to gradually bring all farmers under the Farmer Card system to ensure transparency and accountability in distributing incentives and support.

He further said the government has adopted several measures to increase production and productivity, including expanding modern irrigation systems, promoting high-yielding seed varieties, and encouraging balanced use of fertilizers. As part of these efforts, a large-scale programme has been undertaken to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country.

Highlighting agricultural mechanisation, the Prime Minister said subsidies are being provided to make machinery such as tractors, harvesters, and reapers more accessible to farmers.

He also pointed to the introduction of crop zoning, a system designed to ensure the cultivation of crops best suited to specific soil and climate conditions. This, he said, will help reduce wastage of land and enhance overall output.

Special initiatives are also underway to bring fallow lands under cultivation, particularly in the Sylhet region and char areas, alongside programmes to increase the use of surface water through canal excavation.

The Prime Minister noted that the government is placing emphasis on diversifying agricultural production beyond rice, encouraging the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, pulses, oilseeds, spices, and flowers.

In addition, he said steps are being taken to introduce low-interest agricultural loans and crop insurance schemes, while special programmes are in place to support farmers affected by natural disasters.

For the welfare of landless, marginal, and small farmers, funds are being allocated annually under agricultural rehabilitation programmes. In the current fiscal year (2025–26), an allocation has been made to support farmers through the distribution of free seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs, benefiting millions across the country.