Government Announces New Crop Insurance Scheme

Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid has unveiled plans to introduce a comprehensive crop insurance programme designed to shield farmers from losses caused by natural disasters. The initiative aims to provide financial compensation to farmers whose crops are affected by floods, storms, or other calamities, ensuring that their livelihoods are protected against unforeseen events.

The minister delivered these remarks today while serving as the chief guest at a rice distribution ceremony held at Shyampur High School in Amratali Union, Adarsha Sadar Upazila, Cumilla. The event was jointly organised by the Upazila Administration and the Upazila Food Controller’s Office.

“Ensuring the financial security of our farmers is a top priority for the government,” Minister Rashid said. “Through the introduction of crop insurance, alongside existing support programmes, we aim to significantly reduce the vulnerability of our agricultural community to natural disasters.”

He emphasised that the government is actively working to fulfil pre-election promises, noting that although many had expressed doubts about their implementation, the administration under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been steadily advancing these commitments. Initiatives such as family cards, farmer cards, and stipends for imams and muezzins have already been rolled out, the minister added.

Highlighting the vital role of agriculture, Minister Rashid described it as the backbone of the national economy, employing a substantial proportion of the population. He stated that measures to strengthen farmers’ financial capacity—including incentives, assistance programmes, and easier access to agricultural loans—will continue to expand in the coming years.

The minister also reassured the public that national food reserves are sufficient to meet demand in the upcoming months, underscoring the government’s commitment to preventing food shortages.

As part of the rice distribution initiative, a total of 1,879 beneficiaries in Amratali Union each received 30 kilograms of rice under the government’s food-friendly programme. The distribution details are summarised below:

Minister Rashid concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to enhancing agricultural resilience, stating that crop insurance, combined with ongoing financial and logistical support, will help secure the livelihoods of farmers across the nation.