Khulna: The government has set an ambitious target to procure 51,973 tonnes of Aman paddy in the Khulna division during the upcoming Aman paddy season. In addition to this, the authorities have also aimed to purchase 74,335 tonnes of boiled rice and 5,925 tonnes of non-boiled (atap) rice to bolster the region’s food reserves.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the procurement season will involve purchasing each kilogram of paddy at Tk 33, boiled rice at Tk 47, and atap rice at Tk 46. This decision was revealed during a meeting of the Khulna divisional paddy and rice collecting and monitoring committee, which took place at the additional divisional commissioner’s (development) office yesterday afternoon.
Presided over by Additional Divisional Commissioner (Development) Abu Sayed Md Monzur Alam, the meeting saw the participation of several committee members, including Regional Food Controller Iqbal Bahar Chowdhury. The procurement drive for paddy and boiled rice is scheduled to commence on November 17,
2024, and will extend until February 28, 2025. Meanwhile, the procurement of atap rice, which also started on November 17, 2024, is set to continue until March 2025.
The meeting further disclosed that Aman paddy will be sourced directly from farmers, ensuring a fair transaction process, while rice procurement will be conducted through authorized rice mill owners. This initiative is expected to support local farmers and stabilize rice supply in the region.