At a programme held in Cumilla on Wednesday, the Minister of Food, Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture, Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid, announced that the government plans to introduce crop insurance to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods against natural disasters. Speaking as the chief guest at a rice distribution event organised by the Ministry of Food at Shyampur High School in Cumilla Adarsha Sadar Upazila, he highlighted that farmers would receive compensation if their crops were damaged due to floods or other calamities, ensuring they do not suffer financial losses.
The event, according to a press release, was jointly organised by the Upazila Administration and the Upazila Food Controller’s Office.
Minister Rashid emphasised that the government has been consistently implementing the promises made prior to the election. “Many believed these commitments would remain mere words, but Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been actively executing them since taking office,” he said.
He further stated that several initiatives have already been launched, including the issuance of family cards, farmer cards, and the provision of honorariums for imams and muezzins. Initially, these programmes faced criticism, but since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party assumed power, they are being realised effectively.
Highlighting the central role of agriculture in the national economy, the minister noted, “A significant portion of the population is directly engaged in agriculture. Therefore, ensuring the financial security of farmers remains a top priority for the government.”
He explained that alongside existing support programmes, the introduction of crop insurance will considerably reduce risks associated with natural disasters. “The government has already taken multiple steps to enhance the financial capacity of farmers,” he added. Farmers currently benefit from incentives, financial assistance, and access to credit facilities within the agricultural sector, and these initiatives are expected to expand in the near future.
Addressing food security, the minister reassured that the country maintains sufficient food stocks to meet national needs over the coming months. “The government is working diligently to ensure that no individual faces a food crisis,” he affirmed.
The programme featured speeches from Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan and District Food Controller Nityananda Kundu, with the event presided over by Adarsha Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fatema Tuz Johra. Following the ceremony, 30 kilograms of rice were distributed to 1,879 beneficiaries from Amratoli Union under the food-friendly programme.
The table below summarises key government initiatives aimed at supporting farmers:
| Initiative | Objective | Activities | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crop Insurance | Protect farmers from disaster losses | Compensate damaged crops | Planning stage |
| Family Cards | Enhance social security | Food and medical support | Implemented |
| Farmer Cards | Financial empowerment | Credit access and subsidies | Implemented |
| Imams & Muezzins Honorarium | Social and religious support | Monthly payments | Implemented |
These measures collectively aim to strengthen the agricultural sector, provide financial security for farmers, and ensure national food security.