Chattogram: Food Advisor Ali Imam Majumdar reiterated that the interim government is making efforts to ensure food buffer stock and their adequate supply into the market during its tenure. He emphasized that the government has a well-thought-out plan and will manage the situation responsibly until the end of its tenure. ‘The goal is to maintain the safer level of food reserves until the elections in mid-February,’ the adviser said. Ali Imam Majumdar made the remark while briefing journalists after a meeting on Open Market Sale (OMS) programs at Chattogram Circuit House here this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser mentioned the current stock includes about 1.6 million tons of rice and approximately 100,000 tons of wheat. A wheat-carrying ship is currently waiting to be unloaded to a lighter vessel at the Kutubdia outer anchorage. Additionally, two ships are en route to Chattogram Port from America and Russia, and more agreements are in process to purchase wheat from America.
Pointing out the expansion of the OMS program, the food adviser stated that a total of 5.5 lakh families are receiving 30 kg of rice each per month. ‘The program, which previously ran for 5 months starting from September, now runs for 6 months from August. The goal is to benefit the enlisted families so that they do not need to buy rice at high prices from the market,’ he highlighted.
The adviser noted that the impact of the OMS program is already becoming visible with hopes for further price reductions. However, the government also has to consider the interests of farmers who are concerned about receiving fair prices for their produce. The Aman collection drive will begin at the end of November at a rate more than Taka 4 per kg compared to last Boro season.
The government is planning to offer incentives to farmers in the upcoming Aman season. If there are no natural disasters and a good harvest, efforts will be made to purchase the maximum amount of paddy and rice during the Aman season. In response to queries, the food adviser assured that the government will take punitive action against those attempting to create artificial crises in the rice market.
Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin chaired the meeting, while Director General of Food Department Abul Hasanat Humayun Kabir and field-level officials of the food department were present.