Govt plans direct paddy purchases to ensure fair prices for farmers

The government is moving to procure paddy directly from farmers, bypassing middlemen, to ensure fair prices for growers, Food Minister Afroza Khanam said today.

A pilot project will first be launched in three districts to allow farmers to sell their paddy to the government easily and without harassment. If successful, the programme will be extended nationwide in phases, she said.

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She made the remarks as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting with food department officials at the Chattogram Circuit House conference room. The district administration and the food department organised the meeting.

The minister said farmers face difficulties in selling paddy directly to the government, including opening bank accounts and completing other formalities. The government is taking steps to remove these hurdles and simplify the process.

If needed, it will also consider paying farmers through mobile financial services such as bKash and Nagad, she added.

The government’s election manifesto pledges to ensure fair prices for farmers and deliver safe food to households on time, she said.

To meet these goals, food department officials must perform their duties with honesty, dedication and accountability, she added.

The country currently lacks sufficient mini labs for food testing, but the government plans to supply them to all 64 districts soon, the minister said.

This would make field-level sampling and efforts to ensure food safety more effective, she added.