Govt starts Boro paddy procurement in Dumuria

The government today (6 May) launched internal procurement of Boro paddy in Dumuria Upazila of the district to ensure fair prices for farmers and strengthen public food stocks.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sabita Sarkar inaugurated the procurement programme at a function held at the Upazila silo premises this morning with Upazila Food Controller Sultana Parveen in the chair.

Speaking on the occasion, the UNO said the government is committed to protecting farmers' interests and warned that no irregularities or involvement of middlemen would be tolerated in the procurement process.

She urged farmers to bring their paddy directly to the government silo and report any harassment.

Among others, Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Sohel Md Zillur Rahman Rigan and Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Nazmul Huda spoke as special guests.

Officials said paddy is being procured directly from farmers as per targets set by the Ministry of Food.

Under the existing system, only registered farmers selected through a lottery via the "Krishoker App" are allowed to sell paddy to the government silo.

They said the maximum moisture content has been fixed at 14% to ensure quality, and the paddy must be clean and free from pests.

Payments will be made directly to farmers' bank accounts to ensure transparency.

A limit of around one tonne has been set per farmer to ensure wider participation of small and marginal farmers and prevent misuse by large traders.

Officials added that verification is being done through national identity cards or farmer cards to avoid multiple submissions by the same farmer.

The UNO also advised farmers to properly dry and clean their paddy before bringing it to the warehouse.

Later, she planted a tree on the premises of the government warehouse.