Dhaka: The government has announced its plan to procure a total of 10 lakh metric tons (MTs) of food grains from marginal farmers across the country during the upcoming Aman season. This procurement initiative is aimed at supporting farmers and ensuring food security. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the decision was finalized at the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee (FPMC) meeting held at the cabinet division conference room of the Bangladesh Secretariat. The government has set a target to procure 3.5 lakh MTs of paddy, 5.5 lakh MTs of boiled rice, and 1 lakh MTs of Atap rice under this program. Food Secretary Md Masudul Hasan, while briefing reporters after the meeting, disclosed the procurement prices: Tk 33 per kg for paddy, Tk 47 per kg for boiled rice, and Tk 46 per kg for Atap rice. The procurement drive for paddy and boiled rice is scheduled to commence on November 17 and will run until February 28, 2025. Additionally, Secretary Hasan mentioned that the Atap rice procurement will also start on November 17 but will extend until March 15, 2025. This extended timeline for Atap rice aims to accommodate the harvest and supply cycles specific to this variety.
