Govt to procure paddy, rice via Krishoker App

The Directorate General of Food has issued 13 directives to arrange paddy procurement campaigns in 272 upazilas as the government has decided to use “Krishoker App” for procurement from farmers in those areas.

The directorate recently sent letters containing the directives to the regional food controllers in Dhaka, Khulna, Rangpur, Chattogram, Sylhet, Barisal, Rajshahi, and Mymensingh divisions.

One of the directives says farmers can register and apply for paddy sales on the app till November 30.

The government’s paddy and rice procurement campaign for Aman season started on Thursday. Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder formally inaugurated the campaign virtually at Pulhat LSD warehouse in Dinajpur.

The government will procure three lakh tonnes of paddy and five lakh tonnes of rice this Aman season from farmers through the app at Tk 28 per kg and at Tk 42 per kg respectively.

Last year, the government procured Aman season’s paddy at Tk 27 per kg and rice at Tk 40 per kg.

The directives said paddy will be procured through the app in the selected upazilas while the upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs), upazila agriculture officers, and other officials concerned should be informed about the use of the application.

The officials concerned have to participate in virtual workshops and prepare paddy collection leaflets that should be put in public places.

Union parishad chairmen and members as well as prominent persons will get leaflets and those should be posted on social media and upazila web portals.

Farmers should be encouraged to register through union digital centres.