Photo:BSS

NAOGAON, May 13, 2025 (BSS) - The government has officially launched its seasonal rice and paddy procurement drive in Raninagar upazila of Naogaon as part of the ongoing seasonal Irri-Boro grain collection.

The inauguration ceremony took place this afternoon on the Upazila Food-store premises with Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rakibul Hasan as the chief guest.

According to the Upazila Food Department, a total of 1,338 metric tons of paddy is expected to be purchased directly from farmers at a government-fixed rate of Tk 36 per kilogram.

An additional 2,328 metric tons of boiled rice will be procured from enlisted mill owners at Tk 49 per kilogram.

The procurement drive will continue until August 31.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Mostakima Khatun, food controller Obaidul Islam, acting officer of the food warehouse Tarana Afrin, Upazila BNP president Ishak Ali, president of the rice mill owners’ association Mokhlesur Rahman, and general secretary Zakir Hossain Jewel were present at the procurement inauguration program, among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Guest UNO Rakibul Hasan said the government has increased the procurement price of paddy this year to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their crops. “By selling to the government at this rate, farmers will benefit more than in the open market,” he said.

He urged farmers to follow the terms and conditions properly to avail this opportunity.

He also added that regular monitoring and market drives are being conducted by the administration to ensure fair pricing.