Bangladesh Launches 'Apple Card' to Revolutionize Farmer Access to Digital Services

The Bangladeshi government is rolling out a new smart 'apple card' to connect cultivators with digital support services. The initiative aims to simplify access to farming resources while cutting out middlemen. Officials say the system will eventually cover all farmers recorded in national statistics.

The apple card will serve as a direct link between farmers and state services. Holders can use it to obtain seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural machinery. Advisory services and real-time market data will also be accessible through the system.

Behind the scenes, the technology will gather and analyse information on production levels, weather patterns, and market trends. This data will help authorities plan more effectively and reduce inefficiencies in the sector. A key goal is to prevent exploitation by local intermediaries or influential figures who often control access to supplies.

A pilot phase will begin once preparations are finalised. The government has not yet specified how many farmers will participate in the initial trial. While agriculture employs a large portion of Bangladesh's 172 million people, exact figures on registered farmers remain unclear.

The apple card is set to transform how cultivators interact with the state. By removing middlemen and providing data-driven support, the system could improve efficiency in the agricultural sector. The government plans to extend the programme to all officially listed farmers once the pilot is complete.