In a significant move to support farmers and ensure food security, the government kickstarted the procurement of Boro paddy and rice across Bangladesh on Tuesday, with Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder inaugurating the process via video conferencing from the Secretariat.
Minister Majumder, addressing reporters, revealed the government’s ambitious goal of procuring 70% of Boro paddy by the end of June, with procurement activities slated to continue until August 31. He emphasized the government’s commitment to taking strict action against any individuals found harassing farmers during the procurement process, urging farmers to report any grievances via phone.
This year, the government plans to procure a total of 1.7 million tons of paddy and rice, including 500,000 tons of paddy, 1.1 million tons of boiled rice, and 100,000 tons of Atap rice. The procurement prices have been set at Tk32 per kg for Boro paddy, Tk45 per kg for boiled rice, Tk44 per kg for Atap rice, and Tk34 per kg for wheat, with 50,000 tons of wheat slated for procurement.
Minister Majumder issued directives to deputy commissioners, regional food controllers, deputy assistant officers of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), farmers, and rice mill owners to adhere to the procurement timeline. He highlighted the distribution of moisture meters to DAE officers in each union for paddy quality checks and reiterated the importance of maintaining rice and paddy quality throughout the procurement process.
