15m farmers to get agri-inputs distribution cards by Dec
Friday, 27 November 2009
FE Report
Some 15 million farmers, for the first time, will get 'agri-inputs distribution cards' by next month in a move that will support the government to streamline its payment system for the agriculture sector.
"Necessary preparations have been completed to distribute the cards among the farmers by the end of December," a senior agriculture ministry official told the FE Thursday.
The agriculture ministry has planned to complete the card distribution process by next month for ensuring smooth supply of urea fertliser and disbursement of proposed subsidy on diesel and electricity for running irrigation pumps in the ensuing 'Boro' plantation season.
Details about the extent of cropping lands, use of agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilisers, amount of payable government subsidies and types of cultivated crops by an individual farmer will be incorporated in the agri-input distribution cards, said the official.
According to the ministry officials, the government will provide cash subsidy and other agriculture inputs to farmers on the basis of such cards.
"The card will not only help the government to systematically distribute subsidies and other inputs among farmers, but also check leakage and irregularities in their payment system," said an official.
Besides, introduction of the cards will also help the government to fix the country's demands for agri-inputs including fertilisers so that necessary steps can be taken on time.
The government has already prepared the list of about 15 million farmers following a countrywide survey conducted by the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) for distribution of such cards.
Officials said the authorities will update the list of such cards every year.
Distribution of the agri-input distribution cards has been initiated against the backdrop of the government's plan to establish an agricultural database.
Official sources also said the government has completed the process of appointing dealers and retailers at all upazila levels to ensure uninterrupted supply of fertiliser, especially urea, during the upcoming Boro season.
An average nine retailers have been appointed for every upazila against each authorised dealer for ensuring greater access of farmers to fertiliser, they mentioned.
Some 15 million farmers, for the first time, will get 'agri-inputs distribution cards' by next month in a move that will support the government to streamline its payment system for the agriculture sector.
"Necessary preparations have been completed to distribute the cards among the farmers by the end of December," a senior agriculture ministry official told the FE Thursday.
The agriculture ministry has planned to complete the card distribution process by next month for ensuring smooth supply of urea fertliser and disbursement of proposed subsidy on diesel and electricity for running irrigation pumps in the ensuing 'Boro' plantation season.
Details about the extent of cropping lands, use of agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilisers, amount of payable government subsidies and types of cultivated crops by an individual farmer will be incorporated in the agri-input distribution cards, said the official.
According to the ministry officials, the government will provide cash subsidy and other agriculture inputs to farmers on the basis of such cards.
"The card will not only help the government to systematically distribute subsidies and other inputs among farmers, but also check leakage and irregularities in their payment system," said an official.
Besides, introduction of the cards will also help the government to fix the country's demands for agri-inputs including fertilisers so that necessary steps can be taken on time.
The government has already prepared the list of about 15 million farmers following a countrywide survey conducted by the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) for distribution of such cards.
Officials said the authorities will update the list of such cards every year.
Distribution of the agri-input distribution cards has been initiated against the backdrop of the government's plan to establish an agricultural database.
Official sources also said the government has completed the process of appointing dealers and retailers at all upazila levels to ensure uninterrupted supply of fertiliser, especially urea, during the upcoming Boro season.
An average nine retailers have been appointed for every upazila against each authorised dealer for ensuring greater access of farmers to fertiliser, they mentioned.