Naogaon: The government has officially launched its seasonal rice and paddy procurement drive in Raninagar upazila of Naogaon as part of the ongoing seasonal Irri-Boro grain collection. The inauguration ceremony took place this afternoon on the Upazila Food-store premises with Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rakibul Hasan as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Upazila Food Department has set a target to purchase a total of 1,338 metric tons of paddy directly from farmers at a government-fixed rate of Tk 36 per kilogram. Additionally, 2,328 metric tons of boiled rice will be procured from enlisted mill owners at Tk 49 per kilogram. The procurement drive is scheduled to continue until August 31.
The event was attended by key figures including Upazila Agriculture Officer Mostakima Khatun, food controller Obaidul Islam, acting officer of the food warehouse Tarana Afrin, Upazila BNP president Ishak Ali, president of the rice mill owners’ association Mokhlesur Rahman, and general secretary Zakir Hossain Jewel.
Chief Guest UNO Rakibul Hasan emphasized that the government has increased the procurement price of paddy this year to ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their crops. He stated that by selling to the government at this rate, farmers will benefit more than in the open market. Hasan urged farmers to adhere to the terms and conditions to take advantage of this opportunity. He also mentioned that the administration is conducting regular monitoring and market drives to ensure fair pricing.