Dhaka, Nov 20 (V7N) — Food Advisor Ali Imam Majumdar has stated that the interim government plans to complete the Aman rice collection drive ahead of the national elections scheduled for February next year.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Thursday, the Food Advisor said that although a record amount of Aman rice was harvested during the Boro season, there is still a slight deficit in paddy production, necessitating imports. “I hope that when the interim government hands over responsibility, the food stock will be significantly higher,” he added.

Majumdar also noted that this season Aman rice will be purchased in larger quantities, with improved proportionality between paddy and rice to encourage farmers. Beneficiaries of the food-friendly program have increased from 50,000 to 5.5 million people.

The Aman collection drive began today and will continue until February 28. The government has set a target of seven lakh tons, including 600,000 tons of boiled rice, 50,000 tons of paddy, and 50,000 tons of uncooked rice. The government will purchase paddy at Tk 39 per kilogram, boiled rice at Tk 50 per kilogram, and uncooked rice at Tk 49 per kilogram.

END/SMA/AJ