Bangladesh’s government has launched a seed incentive programme to encourage flood-affected marginal farmers to resume cultivation in seven of the hardest-hit districts: Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Habiganj and Moulvibazar. The programme is set to cover 61,747 farmers, with an allocation of Tk 22.383 million and distribution of 3.87 tonnes of seed. Each listed farmer will receive up to five kilograms of seed for one bigha of land, regardless of total landholding.

Union- and upazila-level agricultural rehabilitation committees assessed losses and finalised beneficiary lists, prioritising the most marginal farmers. Farmers considered able to recover with their own resources were excluded from the initial list. Agricultural officials said those left out would receive priority in a future incentive programme.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, crops on 66,231 hectares were damaged in the seven districts. Farmers said the assistance was too limited compared with their losses and that many were seeking high-interest loans from non-governmental organisations to restart cultivation. The programme aims to rehabilitate affected farmers, sustain aman cultivation, raise production and support food security.