A promising scheme, but can it avoid past pitfalls?

We welcome the launch of the Farmers’ Card programme by the government, which is a timely and encouraging step towards providing the much-needed support to the millions of farmers in the country. In its pre-pilot phase, 22,065 marginal farmers across 11 upazilas have each received Tk 2,500 directly in their mobile wallets. As part of the BNP’s election pledges, following the initiative like the Family Card, this programme has the potential to ease farmers’ access to essential inputs such as seeds, irrigation, and credit. However, as with any large-scale welfare initiative, its success will depend on how effectively the government can implement it and safeguard the scheme against mismanagement, corruption and political bias. Reportedly, the programme will cover small, marginal, medium, large, and landless farmers, as well as fish farmers, livestock rearers, and dairy producers. The government plans to expand the coverage to 2.75 crore farmers over the next five years. Achieving this goal will require careful planning. First, its beneficiary selection process must be fair and transparent. Past experiences with agricultural subsidies and support schemes have shown how political favouritism and weak verification systems can lead to serious inclusion and exclusion errors. Selection, therefore, must be based on clear, verifiable criteria, free from political influence or local-level manipulation. As the government has indicated that the programme will cover a wide spectrum of farmers, it must be matched by careful targeting to ensure that the most vulnerable farmers are prioritised. Another key challenge would be to ensure that financial assistance translates into meaningful benefits. Despite substantial public spending—over Tk 17,000 crore annually in subsidies—our farmers continue to grapple with rising input costs, climate risks, and volatile market conditions. A one-off transfer of Tk 2,500, while helpful, is unlikely to address these challenges. For the programme to be truly transformative, it must evolve into a comprehensive support system, integrating subsidies with access to low-interest credit and real-time agricultural advisory services. Moreover, a unified agricultural database, as often recommended by experts, could help streamline support across ministries, reduce duplication, and enhance efficiency. Ultimately, the Farmers’ Card programme’s impact will depend on how it is carried out. The government must ensure that implementation remains efficient, free from partisan bias and corruption so that the programme is not derailed from its goal. Farmers should be able to access their cards and benefits without harassment or unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. If delivered properly and transparently, this initiative could significantly strengthen our national economy. Lastly, the government must ensure that this initiative does not fall prey to the same governance failures that have undermined similar programmes in the past.