Govt considering selling potatoes via OMS 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 a separate note, the adviser acknowledged irregularities in the procurement of agricultural machinery during the Awami League government's tenure. He stated that relevant documents have been handed over to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for investigation.