ZCZC
BSS-10
BORO-RICE-PROCUREMENT
Govt to procure 1.33 lakh tonnes of rice in Khulna division
KHULNA, May 11, 2021 (BSS) – The government has set a target to procure 1, 32,879 tonnes of boiled rice in the division during the current Boro season to ensure food security amidst the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
As part of the nationwide Boro rice procurement drive that begins on May 7, the government will procure the food grain from all 10 districts in Khulna division despite the adverse impact of the current Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition to the rice procurement, the government will also be purchasing 85,185 tonnes of Boro paddy from the same areas at the same times.
Mohammad Abdus Sobhan Sarder, assistant regional controller of Food (In-Charge), said they will procure around 1.33 lakh tonnes of boiled rice during the season.
He said procurement drive of the newly harvested rice is going on in full swing everywhere in the division that created a high hope of ensuring food security amid the present adverse impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Talking to BSS, Regional Controller of Food Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman said the government has set a target to procure 1, 32879 tonnes of boiled rice and 85,185 tonnes of paddy in the division during the current season.
“We want to procure Boro rice at the rate of Taka 40 per kilogram and procure the paddy at the rate of Taka 27 per kilogram,” he said.
“Around 10 percent boiled rice and 20 percent Boro paddy procurement have been completed till Monday. The procurement will end on August 3,” Mahbubur Rahman said, adding that the drive will continue in full swing after the holy Eid-ul-Fitr.
Contracts have been signed over 2,000 millers for collecting 1, 32879 tonnes of boiled rice and 85,185 tonnes of Boro paddy. Besides, 12,393 tonnes of wheat will also be procured during this time.
Currently, farmers are now very much pleased with the present lucrative market price for the latest harvested Boro paddy in the entire region including its coastal belt. The prevalent selling price rate was over expectation to the farmers.
Mentionable, government incentives, technological assistance, high yielding seeds, suitable climatic condition, frequent rainfall and satisfactory yield and market price of the newly harvested Boro paddy and rice are expected to be adjudged as the major factors of exceeding the farming target.
BSS/ZH/SPL/SSS/1504 hrs