Agri-Incentives Reach 1680 Farmers as Monsoon Crop Season Begins
MEHERPUR, July 1, 2025 (BSS) – The distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and saplings has officially begun in Sadar upazila as part of the agricultural incentive program for the Kharif-2 season.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Khairul Islam inaugurated the initiative this afternoon at the upazila parishad hall, serving as the chief guest. The event was presided over by Upazila Agriculture Officer Muhammad Moniruzzaman.
Several local officials attended the ceremony, including Upazila Secondary Education Officer Monirul Islam, Primary Education Officer Faruk Uddin, Senior Fisheries Officer Fatema Kamrunnahar Ankhi, Project Implementation Officer Saidur Rahman, Rural Development Officer Rakib Uddin, and Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer Zakaria Parvez.
According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, each of the 1,680 participating farmers will receive 5 kg of seeds, 10 kg of DFP fertilizer, 10 kg of MOP fertilizer, and 1,050 coconut saplings.
Additionally, mango saplings will be provided to 250 farmers, while 2,500 farmers will receive neem, betel, jam, and jackfruit saplings.
Each of the 1,000 banana farmers will receive 10 kg of urea, 20 kg of DAP, 10 kg of MOP, 10 kg of zinc sulfate, 1 kg of boron, and 12 kg of pesticides.
Furthermore, 500 residents of the upazila will receive palm seedlings along with fertilizers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Agricultural Incentive Programme in Bangladesh (2025)?
The Agricultural Incentive Programme is a government-supported initiative that provides small and marginal farmers with free agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and saplings. It aims to reduce production costs, boost rural livelihoods, and ensure food security. In 2025, the program has been expanded due to climate challenges and rising input costs affecting farmers across Bangladesh.
What is Kharif-2 and why is it important?
Kharif-2 is the second planting season in Bangladesh’s agricultural calendar, usually beginning around July during the monsoon. Key crops include rice, vegetables, bananas, and maize. This season is critical for year-end food supply, and government interventions during this time help stabilize production and protect against price volatility.
How does fertilizer subsidy policy affect rural farmers in 2025?
In 2025, global fertilizer prices remain volatile due to high energy costs and disrupted supply chains. The Bangladeshi government continues to subsidize fertilizers like urea, DAP, and MOP to reduce the burden on smallholder farmers. This policy is essential to prevent reduced crop yields and rising food prices.
What is the significance of distributing saplings to farmers?
Distributing coconut, mango, neem, and jackfruit saplings helps diversify farming income, promote agroforestry, and improve climate resilience. In 2025, the government is actively encouraging long-term plantation farming alongside traditional crops. This aligns with national goals of sustainable agriculture and reducing carbon emissions from land use.
What are climate-resilient crops and why are they promoted in 2025?
Climate-resilient crops are varieties that can withstand heat, drought, floods, or pests better than traditional strains. In 2025, these crops are central to Bangladesh’s food security strategy amid increasingly erratic weather patterns. Incentives for such crops help reduce crop failure risks and improve farmer income stability.
What role does the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) play?
A UNO is the chief executive officer at the upazila (sub-district) level and oversees the implementation of government policies and development programs. In the context of agriculture, the UNO coordinates with various departments to ensure smooth distribution of farming incentives and resources. Their presence at such programs symbolizes administrative support and accountability.
What is the significance of distributing coconut and fruit saplings?
Providing coconut, mango, neem, and other saplings encourages long-term income generation and ecological sustainability for farmers. In 2025, the government has emphasized agroforestry and fruit cultivation as part of its climate-resilient agriculture strategy, reducing dependence on single-season crops and increasing biodiversity.
