DHAKA, Feb 24, 2022 (BSS) - The government will procure 6.50 lakh metric 
tonnes of paddy and 11.5 lakh metric tonnes of rice from local markets during 
the upcoming Boro season. 

  Of the total rice, 11 lakh metric tonnes will be boiled and 0.50 lakh 
metric tonnes of non-boiled rice. 

  The decision was taken today at a virtual meeting of the Food Planning and 
Monitoring Committee (FPMC) with Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder in the 
chair, said a press release.

   The food grains procurement drives will be conducted between April 28 and 
August 31, 2022.

   The Boro paddy will be procured at Taka 27 per kg, while the price of 
boiled rice has been fixed at Taka 40 per kg and non-boiled rice at Taka 39 
per kg, the release said, adding that the price was the same in the last Boro 
season in 2021. 

  Speaking at the meeting, Sadhan said the price of coarse rice has not 
increased in the country's market rather it is on downward for the last 
several weeks.

   Dependency on fine rice has increased as most of the consumers of coarse 
rice have shifted to non-human consumption and the people's food habit has 
been changed, he said, adding as a result price of fine rice has increased 
slightly.

  Sadhan drew the attention of the agriculture minister to take necessary 
steps to increase the production of the fine paddy.

   At the meeting, Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque said all-out 
efforts have already been made to increase agricultural production.

   Production of two newly invented varieties Bri-89 and Bri-92 of Boro paddy 
is being expanded, he said, adding production of this species will be higher 
and rice will also be thinner.

   Cultivation of high yielding paddy is also being increased to increase 
food production, Razzaque said.

   State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Enamur Rahman said 
considering the current market situation, the procurement targets and fixing 
prices have been logical.

   This will ensure a fair price for the farmers' crop, he added. 

   Senior secretary of the Finance Ministry, food secretary and cabinet 
division secretary (Coordination and Reforms) also spoke at the meeting.