Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman on Tuesday inaugurated the nationwide distribution of “Farmer Cards,” a new government initiative aimed at expanding support for farmers and agro-based livelihoods.

The programme was launched around 12:15 pm at Shaheed Maruf Stadium, where the prime minister handed over cards and saplings to 15 local farmers.

The event also marked his first official visit to Tangail since assuming office, drawing large crowds of party activists and residents.

In the first phase, nearly 21,000 landless, marginal, and small-scale farmers across 11 upazilas in 10 districts will receive the cards. The government plans to expand the programme nationwide in stages.

The event was chaired by Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid, with State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku attending as a special guest. Following the inauguration, the prime minister is scheduled to open an agricultural fair at the Shaheed Smriti Municipal Park in the town.

Under the scheme, registered farmers, fish farmers, and dairy producers will gain access to 10 types of benefits, including direct cash incentives, subsidized agricultural inputs, irrigation support, low-interest loans, and crop insurance.

Officials say the initiative aims to formally recognize farmers as professionals, boost their income, and ensure greater transparency in subsidy distribution. The government has set a target to distribute the cards to 16.5 million farmers over the next four years, with an estimated project cost of Tk 6.81 billion.

Speaking earlier, the agriculture minister said a pre-pilot phase will begin at 11 نقاط (points) across the country, including Tangail, before moving to full-scale implementation. Authorities expect nationwide distribution to be completed within four years.