Agriculture ministry plans AI, drone use in farming under 'I Have a Plan' programme: PM

The Ministry of Agriculture has taken short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans to use sensors, artificial intelligence, internet-connected devices, and drones in farming under the "I Have a Plan" programme, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told parliament today (17 June).

"The main goal of the current agriculture-friendly government is to build a self-reliant, climate-resilient, technology-based and farmer-centred modern agriculture system, where production and marketing will be data-driven, marginal farmers will become empowered entrepreneurs, and agriculture will be a key driver of national prosperity," he said in reply to a question from Sirajganj-1 lawmaker Md Selim Reza during the question-answer session.

The written answer was tabled in parliament as the head of government was outside Dhaka on official duties.

Selim Reza asked what steps would be taken under the "I Have a Plan" programme to increase agricultural production and improve farmers' living standards in agriculture-dependent Bangladesh.

The prime minister said the farmer card distribution programme was launched on 14 April to support agricultural development and ensure a unique identity for farmers.

"The card will help farmers get agricultural inputs at fair prices, government subsidies and incentives, low-cost irrigation facilities, and farm machinery on easy terms," he said.

The programme is now being carried out at the trial stage in 11 agricultural blocks under 11 upazilas in 10 districts across the country's eight divisions, he added.

"So far, 20,832 farmer cards have been distributed," the prime minister said.

He said the government has already waived agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000 in the crop, livestock and fisheries sectors.

The government has allocated Tk1,567.96 crore for the initiative in FY2025-26, he said, adding that around 13.17 lakh farmers across the country will benefit from it.

The prime minister said the government has taken an initiative to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country.

"This will reduce pressure on groundwater, remove waterlogging, ensure irrigation facilities, create rural jobs and protect food security," he said.

He said urea, DAP, TSP and MOP fertilisers are being delivered directly to farmers at low prices.

The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation is also ensuring the supply of high-yielding and climate-resilient seeds, he added.

The prime minister said the government is also giving special focus to smart farming and precision agriculture, alongside developing high-yielding and stress-tolerant crop varieties.

Paddy and wheat are being procured directly from farmers to ensure fair prices for their produce, he said.

"Farmer markets are being set up across the country," he added.