Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder on Monday asked the officials to find out why rice prices are going up despite a bumper yield of Boro paddy in the country.

“The rational prices of paddy and rice were fixed this year. It is not expected at all that the rice mill owners would increase the prices at their whim,” he said, joining a virtual meeting from his official residence in the city.

Read: Boro procurement drive must be successful at any cost: Food Minister

The minister said the government will continue its efforts to keep the rice prices at a tolerable level.

The meeting was held to review the progress of the government’s programme to procure Boro paddy and rice in Khulna and Barishal divisions.

Sadhan Chandra said the rice prices saw no hike in montns of Chaitra and Boishakh.

He directed the food directorate officials to ensure 75 per cent of the Boro collection and make the procurement programme a success by collecting paddy and rice as per the guidelines issued by the food ministry.

The food minister stressed the need for the regular market monitoring with the help of the district administration to keep the rice prices stable.

He asked the field-level food officials to show sincerity to collect the Boro rice from the mill owners as per the agreement. “Otherwise, actions will be taken against the officials alongside the mill owners,” Sadhan warned.

Food Secretary Dr Nazmanara Khanum also spoke at the meeting, presided over by additional director general of food Abdul Aziz Molla.

The field-level officials joined the meeting virtually from Khulna and Barishal divisions, said a handout.