The government will procure 700,000 tonnes of rice and paddy in the current Aman season to ensure fair prices for farmers and maintain a stable food stock.
Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder disclosed the decision on Sunday following a meeting of the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee at the Secretariat.
The meeting was chaired by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed.
Bangladesh approves import of 50,000 tonnes of non-Basmati rice
The procurement prices have been fixed at Tk 50 per kg for parboiled rice, Tk 49 for atap rice and Tk 34 per kg for paddy.
Of the targeted quantity, 600,000 tonnes will be parboiled rice, 50,000 tonnes atap (non-parboiled) rice, and another 50,000 tonnes paddy.
Speaking to reporters, Ali Imam Majumder said the price levels were set keeping farmers’ interests at the centre. “The procurement price has been determined in a way that covers production costs and ensures farmers receive a reasonable profit,” he said.
The Aman procurement drive will begin on 20th November and continue until 28th February, he added.