Dumuria: The government today initiated the internal procurement of Boro paddy in Dumuria upazila, aiming to ensure fair pricing for farmers and bolster public food reserves. The procurement program was inaugurated by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sabita Sarkar at a ceremony held at the upazila silo premises, with Upazila Food Controller Sultana Parveen presiding over the event.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the UNO emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests, cautioning against any irregularities or involvement of middlemen in the procurement process. Farmers were encouraged to deliver their paddy directly to the government silo and report any instances of harassment.
The event also featured remarks from Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Sohel Md Zillur Rahman Rigan and Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Nazmul Huda, who addressed the attendees as special guests. Officials stated that the paddy is being procured directly from farmers in line with targets set by the Ministry of Food.
Under the current system, only registered farmers selected through a lottery using the “Krishoker App” are permitted to sell paddy to the government silo. The maximum allowable moisture content has been set at 14 percent to maintain quality standards, and the paddy must be clean and pest-free. Payments will be processed directly to farmers’ bank accounts to ensure transparency.
To foster the participation of small and marginal farmers and prevent exploitation by large traders, a limit of approximately one tonne per farmer has been established. Verification procedures involve the use of national identity cards or farmer cards to prevent multiple submissions by the same farmer.
The UNO also advised farmers to adequately dry and clean their paddy before delivering it to the warehouse. Following the inauguration, she planted a tree on the premises of the government warehouse.