89,614 Khulna farmers to receive agri cards in first phase

 
KHULNA, Sept 8: A total of 89,614 farmers in Khulna agricultural region are set to receive agricultural cards in the first phase of a government programme aimed at supporting farmers, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said on Sunday.

The Khulna agricultural region covers Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and Narail districts. A block-level survey to identify eligible farmers is nearing completion, with two of three phases completed and the third underway.

A seven-member committee headed by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer in each area is selecting eligible farmers. Authorities have initially identified 28,403 farmers in Khulna, 29,685 in Satkhira, 25,098 in Bagerhat and 6,428 in Narail. The lists are being sent to banks in phases.

Under the programme, each farmer will receive Tk 2,500 annually through Janata Bank, Sonali Bank or Bangladesh Krishi Bank. The cards will also function as debit cards, said Md Rafiqul Islam, additional director of the DAE’s Khulna regional office.