Govt mulls OMS sale of potatoes to ensure fair prices for farmers

In a bid to ensure fair prices for farmers, the government is considering selling potatoes through Open Market Sale (OMS), said Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

While speaking during a briefing at the Secretariat today (21 July), he stated, "This year, farmers are not getting a fair price for potatoes. We're trying to ensure they do. That's why we're exploring the possibility of selling potatoes through OMS."

He further warned that if farmers do not receive reasonable prices for their produce, they may stop cultivating those crops in the future.

"We must ensure that farmers get what they deserve so they remain motivated to grow essential produce," he added.

Highlighting an example, the adviser said since farmers received a good price for onions last year this year the production is high.

Farmers have harvested a significantly larger quantity of onions this year. As a result, despite no imports, the onion market has remained relatively stable, he added.

On fertiliser policy, dealership licenses will no longer be issued based on political affiliations. "Only qualified individuals will be considered," he said, adding that transparency and accountability in fertiliser procurement have significantly improved under the current administration.

He also confirmed that there is no current shortage of fertiliser in the country, as a fresh agreement with Malaysia has secured adequate supply.  The country currently has fertiliser stock to last until November.

Highlighting recent agricultural achievements, the adviser said that rice production last season exceeded the government target by 1.5 lakh tonnes, and output of leafy vegetables, onions, and potatoes has also been satisfactory.

To improve post-harvest preservation, the government has installed 100 mini cold storages for leafy vegetables and is building modern storage facilities for onions. Airflow machines are being distributed to farmers to reduce spoilage.

In response to recent floods, vegetable seeds are being distributed in affected districts including Cumilla, Chandpur, Brahmanbaria, Cox's Bazar, Noakhali, and Feni. Additionally, 3.3 lakh saplings were distributed last fiscal year to promote sustainable farming practices.

On another note, the adviser warned of strict action against corruption in the agriculture sector. Acknowledging irregularities in the procurement of agricultural machinery during the Awami League government's tenure, he said related documents have been handed over to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for investigation. 

Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian was also present.