Rajshahi: Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar emphasized the critical role of farmers in ensuring the nation’s food security, referring to them as “frontline soldiers” in this effort. He addressed journalists following a view-exchange meeting on the Food Friendly Programme (FFP) and Aman procurement targets for the Rajshahi division, which was held at the Circuit House.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Majumdar announced that the FFP, which was previously run for five months each year, has now been extended to six months starting from the current fiscal year. The program commenced in August and will continue until November, resuming again in February and March of 2026. The number of beneficiary families has been increased from 50 lakh to 55 lakh, with each family receiving 30 kilograms of rice per month at a price of TK 15 per kilogram, determined based on population and poverty indices.
Majumdar noted that due to a higher number of floating people in Rajshahi, the food allocation under the Open Market Sale (OMS) program has been increased. He expressed optimism about this year’s Aman yield, anticipating it to surpass previous years. When questioned about potential food imports, Majumdar assured that the government’s food stock remains satisfactory, indicating that at most, an import of 400,000 metric tons may be necessary due to the consumption needs of not just humans but also livestock.
Addressing concerns about stable food prices, Majumdar expressed confidence in their continued stability. Regarding procurement prices amid rising production costs, he mentioned the government’s awareness and response to these challenges. The government increased the purchase price of paddy by TK 4 per kilogram during the last Boro season and plans to determine the Aman price based on production costs plus a fair profit margin.
When journalists raised concerns about the quality of rice distributed in Rajshahi, Majumdar stated that the rice is sourced locally, acknowledging the existence of both competent and corrupt individuals among suppliers and warehouse officials. He assured that actions would be taken against proven corruption.
In the earlier meeting, Majumdar urged local administrators and food controllers to closely oversee the OMS and FFP initiatives. He stressed the importance of supplying only quality paddy and rice to warehouses and highlighted the need for proper agreements with rice mills during the Aman procurement season. Negligent officials were warned of potential actions against them.
The view-exchange meeting was chaired by Divisional Commissioner Khondker Azim Ahmed, with attendance from Director General of the Directorate General of Food Md Abul Hasanath Humayun Kabir, Deputy Commissioners of all districts under the division, regional and district food controllers, and other concerned officials.