The government plans to introduce a new Farmers Card initiative on a pilot basis in eight to nine upazilas by Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid announced on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat chaired by the Prime Minister, the minister confirmed that preparations are underway to launch the program in selected areas before expanding it nationwide.

He clarified that the scheme will initially operate as a pilot project rather than a countrywide rollout.

The trial phase is expected to help authorities assess implementation challenges and fine tune the system before a broader expansion.

According to the minister, the Farmers Card is designed to support marginal farmers through a structured, family card style mechanism.

The initiative aims to streamline farmers access to essential production inputs, consumer goods, agricultural land services, crops, and seed varieties. It will also help the government maintain accurate and up to date agricultural data.

When asked whether the program would include free distribution of fertilizer and seeds, the minister indicated that such assistance could be considered for marginal and extremely poor farmers.

However, he noted that the issue was not discussed in detail during the meeting.

The pilot launch by Pahela Baishakh marks the first step in what the government hopes will become a comprehensive support system for the country’s farming community.