Khulna Correspondent:
The government has set a target to procure 1, 44,330 tonnes of boiled rice in the division during the current Boro season.
Last year, the rice procurement target was 1,54,400 tonnes and in 2022 it was 1, 43,715 tonnes. As part of the nationwide Boro paddy and boiled rice procurement drive, it started on May 7 and will continue till 31 August. The government is collecting food grain from all 10 districts in Khulna division.
In addition to the rice procurement, the government will also purchase 62,993 tonnes of boro paddy from the same areas at the same time. Last year, the paddy procurement target was 51,684 and in 2022, it was 82,595 tonnes.
Talking to BSS, Md Zahirul Islam Zahangir, Assistant Regional Controller of Food, said they will procure around 1.44 lakh tonnes of boiled rice this season. He said the procurement drive of the newly harvested rice is going on in full swing everywhere in the division that creates a high hope of ensuring food security.
He also said the government has set a target to procure 1, 44,330 tonnes of boiled rice, and 62,993 tonnes of paddy in the division during the current season. Boro rice is being procured at Taka 45 per kilogram while boro paddy is at Taka 32. Currently, farmers are now very much pleased with the present lucrative market price for the latest harvested Boro paddy in the entire region including its coastal belt.
Selected farmers each can supply boro paddy to the government depot while millers will reach boiled rice at the depot containing 30 kg or 50 kg in each sack. Both paddy and rice will be hoarded at the godown after examining through machines.
Meanwhile, Land Minister Narayan Chandra Chanda virtually inaugurated the paddy and rice procurement programme at Fultala upazila food storehouse as chief guest on 7 May.