Quamrul warns against irregularities in rice procurement

Food Minister Quamrul Islam yesterday said stern action will be taken against those to be found involved in irregularities in rice and paddy procurement during this Boro season.

The Food Minister came up with the warning at a press briefing at Khadya Bhaban.

Quamrul said the government will purchase rice and paddy this year directly from farmers through maintaining transparency and accountability.

This year, he said, the government will procure 7 lakh mts of paddy at Tk 23 per kg while 6 lakh mts of rice at Tk 32 per kg from May 5 to August 31. Quamrul said the authorities concerned will purchase the rice and paddy following the list of farmers provided by the Agriculture Ministry.

Besides, necessary steps will be taken so that middlemen cannot discourage the farmers during the procurement, he said, adding, the government will clear payments through account payeee cheques.