Farmers in Raipur denied government benefits

Despite holding Tk-10 farmers’ bank accounts a majority of farmers in Raipur are grappling with the absence of government benefits, raising concerns about equitable distribution.

In Raipur, Laksmipur, numerous farmers find themselves excluded from reaping the benefits of their Tk-10 bank accounts, despite the potential advantages these accounts bring.

While some fortunate farmers receive government facilities through this channel, a substantial number remain deprived, attributing the disparity to connections with influential figures.

Farmers express frustration, contending that those with affiliations to influential individuals are the primary beneficiaries of this governmental support. Contrary to these claims, the agriculture department asserts that farmers initially received subsidies through these accounts, but such disbursements have ceased. Nonetheless, they emphasize that farmers are availing various opportunities, including loans from banks.

According to sources from the Upazila Agricultural Extension Directorate, Raipur boasts approximately 8 to 10 thousand registered agricultural cardholders, with 2,921 holding Tk-10 accounts in Krishi Bank and an additional 1,000 in various government banks. Agricultural officials argue that many Tk 10 account holders have received government incentives and subsidies, albeit in smaller amounts.

Farmers from Bamni, Sonapur, and Charmohana unions, including Mostafa, Anwar, Delwar, Arif, and Rahman, voice their discontent, stating that the Tk-10 account has not proven beneficial for them. Allegedly, they have not received any government or private facilities through this account, underscoring a sense of favoritism toward a select few.

An anonymous Assistant Agriculture Officer reveals that farmers must maintain close ties with the Agriculture Department and public representatives to access government facilities, asserting that proactive and pioneering farmers are more likely to receive support.

Despite these claims, several farmers, including Rahman and Amirul Islam of Charbanshi Union, assert that they have not received any facilities through their Tk 10 accounts.

Tahmina Khatun, Deputy Director of Upazila Agriculture Extension Department, acknowledges that the payment of incentives or subsidies has ceased. However, she highlights ongoing initiatives such as distributing seeds and fertilizers among account-holding farmers. Facilitation is available for accountless farmers who verify their eligibility at various farmer offices.

Asaduzzaman, manager of Krishi Bank Raipur branch, discloses that out of the 2,921 farmers with Tk-10 accounts, only 1,330 are currently active. Despite the absence of recent incentive or subsidy disbursements, the branch offers conditional micro-loans against the Sachal account. Additionally, the branch extends support to 5,500 agricultural loan-takers at various stages.