United News of Bangladesh

A government-run ‘Farmers’ Market’ has been launched in Sylhet for the first time with the aim of ensuring fair prices for growers and providing safe food to consumers at affordable rates by reducing the role of middlemen. Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir inaugurated the initiative on Saturday morning at an event near Tilagorh Point in the city. Jointly organised by Sylhet district administration and the Department of Agricultural Extension under the slogan “Safe and Fresh Products Directly From Farmers,” the programme will allow marginal farmers to sell their produce straight to consumers. Speaking as the chief guest, the minister said the government is taking various initiatives to bring transparency and balance to the market system. He said agricultural products often change hands four to five times before reaching consumers, leading to unjustified price hikes. He expressed hope that the “Farmers’ Market” would reduce such layers and create a win-win situation for both farmers and consumers, bringing relief to the market through direct connections. The minister said the markets will be held on designated days each week at fixed locations under the supervision of district and upazila administrations. He added that strict monitoring would prevent extortion and unnecessary costs. The minister said the government is working to modernise the supply chain—from import to retail—under an integrated digital system to improve market oversight and quickly detect irregularities. He also said operations of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) would be strengthened to maintain stability in the market for essential commodities by increasing imports and creating an effective counterbalance. The minister emphasised the expansion of irrigation facilities and re-excavation of canals to boost agricultural production, expressing optimism that these measures would help stabilise markets in the future. Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam chaired the programme. Among others present were Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi, Sylhet Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khoshnur Rubaiyat, and Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Shamsuzzaman.