Boro farmers in Bangladesh faced financial losses due to selling paddy below the government’s procurement price of Tk1,280 per maund. The Ministry of Food’s procurement failed to align with harvesting times, leading to challenges in accessing fair prices. Despite announcing a procurement of 5 lakh tonnes of paddy at Tk32 per kg starting from May 7, only 38,120 tonnes were purchased by early June. Farmers must transport paddy to specific warehouses, meeting stringent moisture content criteria, which adds logistical complexity. Unlike in West Bengal, Bangladesh lacks decentralized purchasing centers in markets, hindering competitive pricing. Inefficient procurement practices contribute to millers controlling rice prices, selling at Tk52-53 per kg despite buying paddy at lower rates. Experts advocate for area-based storage facilities to allow gradual sales by farmers, reducing market manipulation. They warn that if farmers continue facing low prices, it could impact rice production and national food security, necessitating reforms to ensure fairer market conditions.
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