Govt targets 65% Aman procurement by Dec 31

The food ministry has issued a 15-point directive, setting the target to procure 65 per cent of Aman rice and paddy by December 31.

It also aims to finish 100 per cent procurement by February 28 next year.

In a notification on November 8, it said farmers should not be harassed in any way during the procurement.

The government has decided to procure three lakh tonnes of paddy at Tk 27 per kg and five lakh tonnes of boiled rice at Tk 40 per kg from the open market in this Aman season.

It began the procurement drive on November 7.

The 15-point directive further includes procuring Aman rice and paddy as per the domestic foodgrain procurement policy as well as signing deals with millers according to the October 24 food ministry memorandum.

Besides, campaigns have to be designed to advertise the procurement drive through loudspeaker announcements and leaflet distributions while district and regional food controllers have to step up monitoring to ensure maximum accountability in procurement.