Dhaka, Apr 10 (V7N) – The government has announced its plan to procure 1.75 million tons of paddy and rice from the domestic market during the upcoming Boro season, setting higher prices than last year to support farmers amid rising production costs.

The decision was finalized at a meeting of the Food Planning and Management Committee (FPMC) held at the Secretariat on Wednesday (April 9), chaired by Finance Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed.

According to the government's target, 3.5 lakh tons of paddy and 14 lakh tons of parboiled rice will be procured. Notably, no target has been set for wheat procurement this season.

  • Boro Paddy: Tk 36 per kg (up by Tk 4 from last year)

  • Parboiled Rice: Tk 49 per kg (up by Tk 4 from last year)

The procurement drive will run from April 24 to August 31, with harvesting already beginning in the haor regions and expected to pick up in full swing from the first day of Baishakh.

Food Advisor Ali Imam Majumder said the new prices were determined by including a profit margin over the production cost as estimated by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Agricultural Advisor Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that paddy production is expected to exceed this year’s target, reducing any risk of supply shortfalls. He will inaugurate the harvesting festival in Sunamganj on Thursday, marking the beginning of full-scale harvesting activities.

He said the government's current stock of food grains stands at 1.32 million tons, ensuring stability in the country's food reserve.

In the 2023 Boro season, the government had set a target of 1.7 million tons for procurement, including:

  • 5 lakh tons of paddy

  • 11 lakh tons of parboiled rice

  • 1 lakh ton of atap (non-parboiled) rice

Last year's prices were:

  • Paddy: Tk 32/kg

  • Parboiled rice: Tk 45/kg

  • Atap rice: Tk 44/kg

This year's procurement effort reflects the government's continued commitment to stabilizing the domestic rice market while ensuring farmers receive a fair price for their produce.

END/MSS/AJ