, Feb. 23 -- Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Monday said that the government will soon begin distributing smart 'Farmers Cards' similar to family cards on pilot basis, to bring cultivators under various benefit schemes.

"We are basically discussing providing our farmers with a smart card like a family card. We are going to launch the pilot project of the 'Farmers Card' as soon as possible," he said while talking to reporters after a meeting on the proposed 'Farmers Card' at the Secretariat.

When asked whether the card distribution would begin before Eid, the minister said it was not possible to specify a timeline at this stage, as several preparatory issues are involved.

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