Hurdles to procure Aman paddy from farmers must be removed

It has been nearly three weeks since the food directorate initiated its grain purchases from Aman paddy growers, yet the progress has been alarmingly slow.

According to recent data from the food ministry, only 1,834 tonnes of paddy have been procured out of the targeted 81,533 tonnes.

This accounts for a mere one per cent of the government’s ambitious plan to purchase 2 lakh tonnes of paddy from this year’s Aman harvest.

Various factors contribute to this sluggishness, including the higher market prices of grains, unfavourable weather affecting the drying process, and the risk of rejection by local procurement authorities due to moisture levels exceeding the set standard of 14 per cent.

Despite the government offering Tk 30 per kilogram of Aman paddy, a 7 per cent increase from the previous season, many farmers find the procurement process to be cumbersome.

This lack of enthusiasm is evident in the data from the Rangpur division, where four out of eight districts have yet to buy a single kilogram of paddy.

The regional food office in Rangpur, for instance, has only managed to procure one per cent of its target for paddy and 38 per cent for milled rice.

Similar challenges are observed in other districts, such as Bogura and Gaibandha, where procurement is significantly below the set targets.

The slow pace is attributed to factors like high market prices, difficulties in drying paddy during the winter season, and a lack of awareness among farmers regarding the ongoing procurement drive.

While food ministry officials claim satisfactory responses from rice millers, the overall procurement from farmers remains far from the target.

The government’s aim to buy 2 lakh tonnes of Aman paddy is critical for replenishing public food stocks, standing at around 14 lakh tonnes as of December 11.

Immediate action must be taken to address the hurdles hindering the procurement process.

The government should consider implementing measures to simplify the process for farmers, such as providing tools for moisture level measurement and raising awareness about the ongoing drive.

We call on the government to expedite the Aman paddy procurement process, ensuring fair prices for farmers and securing the nation’s food security.