Prime Minister explains his 'I Have a Plan' Stuff

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has explained his much-discussed 'I Have a Plan'. He said, "The incumbent government's goal is to build a self-reliant, climate-resilient, technology-driven, and farmer-centric modern agricultural system. Where production and marketing will be information-driven, marginal farmers will turn into empowered entrepreneurs, and the agriculture sector will be one of the main driving forces of national prosperity."

He made these remarks today (Wednesday) in response to a written question during the question-and-answer session on the ninth day of the second and first budget session of the thirteenth National Parliament. The question was placed on the question-and-answer table that day.

In response to a question from Member of Parliament Md. Selim Reza from the Sirajganj-1 constituency, the Prime Minister said, "The government is consistently implementing various programs to increase agricultural production and improve the living standards of hardworking farmers. To ensure unique identification for farmers, supply agricultural inputs at fair prices, provide government subsidies and incentives, offer irrigation facilities at low cost, and supply agricultural machinery on easy terms, the Farmer Card distribution program was inaugurated on April 14 of this year."

"This program is being conducted in 11 agricultural blocks of 11 upazilas in 10 districts across the country's eight divisions at the pre-pilot stage. So far, 20,832 Farmer Cards have been distributed," he added.

The Prime Minister further informed that the government has completely waived agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 in the crop, livestock, and fisheries sectors. For this purpose, Tk 1,567 crore 96 lakh has been allocated in the 2025-26 fiscal year. As a result, approximately 13 lakh 17 thousand 500 farmers across the country will benefit.

Highlighting the government's other initiatives in the agriculture sector, he said, "An initiative has been taken to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country. This will reduce pressure on groundwater, eliminate waterlogging, increase irrigation facilities, and create rural employment. At the same time, the country's food security will be further strengthened."

The Prime Minister said, "Urea, DAP, TSP, and MOP fertilizers are being delivered to farmers at affordable prices. Additionally, the supply of high-yielding and climate-resilient seeds has been ensured through the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC)."

He further said, "The government's goal is to build such a modern agricultural system where technology, information, and innovation will increase farmers' income, boost productivity, and agriculture will be further strengthened as one of the foundations of the country's economic progress."