UNB :
The government started the procurement of Boro paddy and rice across the country on Tuesday.
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder inaugurated the countywide procurement of Boro paddy through a videoconference at the secretariat.
Talking the reporters, the minister said this year the government has set a target to procure 70% within June though the Boro procurement drive will continue till August 31.
Besides, stern action will be taken against those found involved in harassing farmers during the procurement drive, he said.
The farmers can lodge complaint against anyone through mobile phone numbers, he added.
This year, the government will procure 17 lakh tonnes of paddy and rice and of these, 5 lakh tonnes will be paddy, 11 lakh tonnes will be boiled rice and one lakh tonnes Atap rice.
The procurement price of Boro paddy has been fixed at Tk 32 per kg, boiled rice at Tk 45 and atap rice Tk 44.
Alongside it, the government will procure 50,000 tonnes of wheat at Tk 34 per kg.
Directives were given to the deputy commissioners (food), regional food controllers, deputy assistant officer of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) and farmers and rice mills owners to procure paddy or rice within the stipulated time, said the minister.
Moisture metres have been provided to the deputy assistant officers of the DAE in each union to check paddy, he said.
Besides, directives were given to maintain the quality of rice and paddy, he said.