In its pre-pilot phase, the program has enrolled approximately 22,065 farmers in selected upazilas, where financial assistance from the Government of Bangladesh is being distributed directly into the bank accounts linked to the card.
On the same day, 20,671 farmers, fishermen, cattle herders and salt cultivators from 11 upazilas of 10 districts will receive the cards. At this stage, eligible farmers are receiving initial assistance of approximately Tk 2,500 as direct financial assistance to meet essential agricultural input needs. This will enable farmers to use the card to purchase essential agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, helping in more efficient and targeted subsidy utilization.
Highlighting the importance of strengthening financial access for farmers, MD Shaukat Ali Khan, Managing Director and CEO of Sonali Bank PLC said, “Through the Farmer Card initiative, we are strengthening the way we provide financial support to farmers across Bangladesh.
He said, “By linking banking services directly to government programmes, the process becomes more efficient, transparent and accessible to farming communities. This partnership reflects our continued commitment to support national development and increase access to formal financial services.”