Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today spoke as the chief guest at a 'Farmer Card' distribution programme, at the Bibir Bazar High School and College ground in Cumilla Sadar Adarsha Upazila. Photo: PID

CUMILLA, April 17, 2026 (BSS) - Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today said the government is working to make the country's agriculture sector self-reliant.

He said around 70 percent of the population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture, adding that a strong agricultural sector is essential for a strong national economy.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a 'Farmer Card' distribution programme, at the Bibir Bazar High School and College ground in Cumilla Sadar Adarsha Upazila.

He said the introduction of 'Farmer Card' would help eliminate the role of middlemen in agricultural marketing, ensuring fair prices for farmers. 

Under the initiative, small, marginal and landless farmers will receive Tk 2,500 in incentives, which they can use to purchase fertiliser, seeds, pesticides and other agricultural inputs.

On agricultural modernisation, the minister said the government is providing machinery to farmers at 50-70 percent subsidy, which will also be facilitated through the farmer card system.

He added that agricultural loans and insurance facilities would also be made available through the card.

The minister further said the government has a plan to expand solar-powered irrigation pumps across the country. Farmers with 'Farmer Card' will receive these facilities through cooperatives, he added, saying the integrated initiatives would help make agriculture self-reliant.

After the programme, the minister inaugurated an agricultural fair set up adjacent to the venue and visited stalls of various departments and agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Cumilla District Commissioner Md Reza Hasan presided over the event.

Haji Jasim Uddin MP, Atikul Alam Shawon MP, Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu, District Council Administrator Mostak Mia, Agriculture Secretary Dr Rafiqul E Mohame, and Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Md Delwar Hossain, among others, attended the event.