Boro paddy and rice procurement target in Sylhet
Various steps have been taken to ensure the collection of paddy directly from farmers and rice from millers within the stipulated time, Regional Food Controller of Sylhet, SM Saiful Islam, said.
“If the collection activities are implemented properly, farmers will receive fair prices, and it is expected that market stability will also be maintained,” he added.
Bijan Sen Roy, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Haor Bachao Andolan, said, “Even though the production of Boro paddy in the haor area is good, the biggest challenge now is to ensure that farmers receive a fair price.
Every year, it is observed that not all farmers have the opportunity to sell paddy at the price fixed by the government. Due to middlemen and syndicates, the real farmers are deprived. If the government can ensure the collection of paddy directly from the farmers this time, the farmers will benefit.”
According to sources in the Food Controller’s Office, it is expected that the target will be achieved due to the good yield of Boro paddy in the Sylhet region this year.
The Food Department stated that initiatives have been taken to maintain market stability and ensure fair prices for farmers by directly collecting paddy from farmers and rice from millers.
The government’s paddy and rice procurement target for the Boro season in the Sylhet division has been continuously increasing. The target for paddy and rice procurement in 2026 has increased significantly compared to 2024 and 2025.
According to officials, this reflects the government’s commitment to increasing agricultural production and improving market management.
The Food Department reported that the target for paddy procurement in the Sylhet division for the 2026 season has been set at 43,694 metric tons, which is about 11,000 metric tons more than in 2025, when the target was 32,463 metric tons.
Similarly, rice procurement targets have also risen. In 2025, the target for rice procurement was 52,151 metric tons. In 2026, the combined target for parboiled and raw rice has been set at 69,354 metric tons. The paddy procurement target has also increased on a district-wise basis.
In 2026, the maximum target of 21,349 metric tons of paddy has been set for Sunamganj district, which is almost half of the department’s total target.
Additionally, targets of 8,090 metric tons for Habiganj, 8,251 metric tons for Sylhet, and 6,604 metric tons for Moulvibazar have been set. Sunamganj district is also leading in rice procurement.
Procurement prices have risen over the past few years. In 2024, the price per kg of paddy was 32 taka, boiled rice 45 taka, and uncooked rice 44 taka. In 2025, paddy was purchased at 36 taka and uncooked rice at 49 taka. The same prices have been maintained in 2026: paddy 36 taka, boiled rice 49 taka, and uncooked rice 48 taka.
Separate plans have been made for haor and non-haor regions in the procurement schedule. In the haor area, the contract execution period is set from May 3 to May 12, and collection will continue from May 3 to August 31. In the non-haor area, the contract execution period is from May 15 to May 25, and collection will continue from May 15 to August 31.
