Discussion around the farmer card distribution program: New or old initiative?

BD Digest report

After information emerged that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will officially inaugurate the ‘Farmer Card’ distribution program on the upcoming Pahela Baishakh, political and policy discussions have arisen on the issue.

Many in the relevant circles say that the ‘Smart Agriculture Card’ system is already in operation in Bangladesh. Through this card, farmers get various agricultural-related benefits including opening a bank account for 10 taka, financial assistance for purchasing diesel, fertilizer and seeds.

It is known that the Awami League government started introducing such agricultural cards for farmers in 2010. As a result, the announcement of distributing new ‘farmer cards’ has raised questions – is this a completely new initiative or a continuation of the previous project.

Some policy analysts believe that if new programs are announced in line with existing benefits, farmers at the field level may not see them as new initiatives. This also risks creating confusion in the government’s policy communication.

Meanwhile, a section of critics claim that although much old information has been removed from the government website, in reality, people still have cards and benefits from various social security programs.

Earlier, there was renewed discussion about the ‘family card’ and the honorarium for imams and muezzins. According to critics, many of these programs had been in place since the previous government.

According to political observers, a period after a new government comes to power is usually seen as a ‘honeymoon period’, when many policy decisions face relatively little criticism. However, over time, appreciation for the effectiveness and innovation of these initiatives increases.

Some analysts also say that if the new government implements the previous government’s projects with minor changes, then in some cases, people’s benefits may increase. However, formulating a long-term development plan is equally important.

It is worth noting that during the Awami League government, the ‘Delta Plan 2100’ was formulated following the model of the developed European country of the Netherlands. This plan set long-term action plans on issues such as flood control, river management, water supply, river erosion prevention, waste management, and urban and rural drainage systems. It set out the development goals of Bangladesh until 2030, 2041, and 2100.

Overall, many concerned have demanded clarification on the real benefits of the new Farmers Card Program and its differences from previous initiatives.