B Mirror Desk : The government is acquiring paddy and rice at a rate of four taka more per kilogram compared to last year. Food Advisor Ali Imam Majumdar indicated that this increase will likely lead to a slight rise in market rice prices. He made this statement during the launch of the paddy procurement campaign in Shantiganj, Sunamganj on Thursday afternoon.

Majumdar assured that there will be no syndicate involved in the procurement of paddy and rice, emphasizing the government’s commitment to preventing such practices. To support farmers, the government is purchasing these commodities at a higher price than the previous year. He also noted that there was no syndicate during the last Aman paddy procurement campaign, and he assured that the same will apply to the Boro procurement.

While he was uncertain about the previous government’s actions, he firmly stated that no syndicate will be tolerated now. The advisor explained that the prices for paddy and rice are established after thorough discussions in government meetings. He announced that the government will buy paddy at 36 taka per kilogram and rice at 49 taka per kilogram, suggesting a potential slight increase in market rice prices.

He warned that if farmers do not receive fair compensation for their efforts in paddy production, they may lose interest in cultivation, ultimately benefiting them. It has been reported that the government aims to procure 14,645 metric tons of paddy in Sunamganj, purchasing directly from farmers at the set price of 36 taka per kilogram.