Govt to procure 7 lakh tonnes of Aman paddy, rice from local sources at higher prices from 20 Nov
Finance adviser said inflation has slightly eased and the government is working to stabilise food supplies through domestic procurement and rice imports.
The interim government has set a target to procure seven lakh tonnes of rice and paddy from domestic sources during the upcoming Aman season, increasing the procurement prices for both paddy and rice compared to last year.
The procurement drive is scheduled to begin on 20 November and continue until February next year.
The decision was announced by Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder today (9 November) following a meeting of the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee at the cabinet division. Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed was also present at the briefing.
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For the 2025 Aman season, the government will buy parboiled rice at Tk50 per kilogram (up from Tk47 last year), non-parboiled rice at Tk49 per kilogram (up from Tk46), and paddy at Tk34 per kilogram (up from Tk33).
The interim government's procurement target includes six lakh tonnes of parboiled rice, some 50,000 tonnes of non-parboiled rice, and 50,000 tonnes of paddy.
The food adviser noted that the procurement price for both paddy and rice has been raised from the previous year. He explained that although the production cost of Aman paddy is typically lower due to rainfall and reduced irrigation expenses, the price was increased based on other considerations.
Ali Imam Majumder explained, "100kg of paddy yields 65kg of rice... The price of paddy is determined based on this calculation" as he expressed hope that the procurement target will be achieved.
Meanwhile, Finance Adviser Salehuddin stated that inflation has seen a slight decline. He assured that the interim government is working to control the entire food package, noting that, alongside domestic procurement, parboiled rice is being imported.
"The private sector is also importing wheat and rice, which is helping to keep market supply steady. Overall, the food situation is satisfactory. We hope to leave behind an even better situation when we depart."
Salehuddin also mentioned that the government is providing support to 55 lakh families through various programmes. Additionally, some 2.45 crore families are receiving assistance through TCB and OMS programmes.
He noted that the government is currently considering whether to increase the VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) allowance provided to fishermen families.
