Smart subsidy system reaches rural farmers
Bangladesh has taken a decisive step toward financial inclusion and digital transformation with the launch of the Visa-powered Farmers Card, unveiled by Tarique Rahman on Pahela Baishakh.
Developed by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with Sonali Bank PLC and Visa, the card integrates farmer identification with secure digital payment capabilities. The initiative aims to streamline subsidy distribution while ensuring transparency and efficiency in government support programmes.
In its initial phase, more than 22,000 farmers across selected upazilas have been enrolled, with financial assistance directly credited to bank accounts linked to the card. On launch day, over 20,000 beneficiaries—including farmers, fishers, and livestock rearers—received cards along with BDT 2,500 in direct support to purchase essential agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilisers.
Officials say the card will provide access to a wide range of services, including low-cost agricultural loans, irrigation facilities, training, insurance, and real-time market information. The initiative is being rolled out across 11 upazilas, covering diverse agricultural regions.
Visa’s Bangladesh Country Manager Sabbir Ahmed said the programme combines identity, access, and payments to empower rural communities and expand participation in the digital economy. Meanwhile, Sonali Bank’s Managing Director Md. Shawkat Ali Khan highlighted improved efficiency and transparency in financial service delivery.
The Farmers Card is expected to serve as a scalable model for digitising public welfare systems and strengthening Bangladesh’s financial infrastructure.
