The government of Bangladesh has announced a new social protection program to modernize and climate-proof the agriculture sector. In the 2026–27 fiscal year, 4.25 million landless, marginal, and small farmers across 100 upazilas will receive special 'Farmer Cards'. Each cardholder will get Tk 2,500 in annual cash support and access to ten additional benefits. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury made the announcement while presenting the national budget in parliament, chaired by Speaker Major (Retd.) M Hafizuddin.

The budget proposes an allocation of Tk 1,062.5 crore for the Farmer Card initiative, extending coverage to fishers, livestock farmers, and salt producers. A pre-pilot involving 22,065 farmers in 11 blocks across eight divisions has already been completed. The government has also implemented a loan waiver program for up to Tk 10,000 in agricultural loans and plans to introduce agricultural insurance to mitigate disaster risks.

The combined allocation for agriculture, fisheries, and food ministries in 2026–27 stands at Tk 43,335 crore, representing 0.63 percent of GDP, marking a steady increase from previous years.