Cumilla, Wednesday – The Food, Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture Minister, Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid, announced on Wednesday that the government will take steps to introduce crop insurance to safeguard farmers against losses from natural disasters. Speaking as the chief guest at a rice distribution programme held at Shyampur High School in Cumilla Adarsha Sadar Upazila, the minister emphasised that such insurance would compensate farmers if their crops were damaged due to floods or other natural calamities, ensuring that they do not suffer financial setbacks.
The event was organised jointly by the Upazila Administration and the Upazila Food Controller’s Office, according to a press release.
Minister Rashid highlighted that the government is actively working to implement the promises made prior to the last general election. “Many doubted that these pledges would move beyond words, but Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been executing them since assuming office,” he said.
He further elaborated that initiatives have already been launched to implement a variety of government commitments, including family cards, farmer cards, and honorariums for imams and muezzins. The minister acknowledged that these measures initially faced criticism, but noted that following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s return to power, they are now being fully realised.
Key Farmer Support Programmes
| Programme | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Family Cards | Identification and social benefits for households | Being implemented |
| Farmer Cards | Access to agricultural support and credit facilities | Active rollout |
| Imam and Muezzin Honorariums | Financial support for religious officials | Implemented |
Minister Rashid stressed the centrality of agriculture to the national economy, noting that a significant portion of the population is directly engaged in farming. “Ensuring the financial security of farmers remains a key government priority,” he added.
In addition to these measures, the minister explained that crop insurance would significantly mitigate the risk of financial losses due to natural disasters. Farmers are currently being supported through a combination of incentives, assistance programmes, and facilitated credit access, all of which the government intends to expand further in the coming years.
On the topic of food security, Minister Rashid reassured the public that the country has sufficient food stocks to meet demand in the coming months. “The government is committed to ensuring that no citizen faces a food crisis,” he stated.
Special guests at the programme included Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan and District Food Controller Nityananda Kundu, while the event was presided over by Adarsha Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fatema Tuz Johra. Following the ceremony, 30 kilograms of rice were distributed to each of the 1,879 beneficiaries under the government’s food-friendly initiative in Amratoli Union.
These initiatives represent a significant step in strengthening both agricultural resilience and social support systems, providing farmers with enhanced financial security while reinforcing national food stability.