RAJSHAHI, Aug 1, 2021 (BSS)- Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Mazumder, MP is hopeful for attaining  procurement targets of paddy and rice before the stipulated time.

He expressed the hope while visiting the Niamatpur Upazila Food Godawon in Naogaon district to see for himself the procurement progress today.

The minister said the procurement and stock positions of food grain in the country at present is better than the  previous times.

Simultaneously, the farmers   are being benefited after selling paddy in the government go down at the highest price, he added.

Minister Sadhan Mazumder said nine lakh tones of food grains were already imported from abroad to boost the country's stock to face crisis caused by Covid-19 and flood.

Another five lakh tones are waiting for import. With this, the stock amount in government  go down stands at 23.69 lakh tones by the end of this month, the minister said.

Rajshahi Divisional Controller of Foods Faruque Hossain Patwary, Upazila Chairman Farid Ahmed and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Joya Maria Perera accompanied the minister during his visit.

Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Mazumder also held a view exchange meeting on Covid-19 situation and vaccination at Niamatpur Upazila Parishad Auditorium at noon.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been facing the Covid-19 pandemic with strong courage and arranged vaccines to protect the people from the lethal virus.
 
Minister Sadhan Mazumder said the premier has adopted an epoch-making step for launching the union level vaccination programme from August 7.

He urged all quarters to extend their whole-hearted cooperation towards making the gigantic endeavor a total success.