Food Price Hike
Matia blames fuel, fertiliser prices
Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury yesterday said food price largely depends on the stability of fuel and fertiliser prices that are maintaining an upward trend in the international market pushing up the cost of food.
"It is not possible to stabilise food price unless fuel and fertiliser prices are controlled," she said and urged international agencies to do their part for stabilising the market of the two crucial items.
Addressing a dialogue on Rice and Paddy Price Instability at Cirdap auditorium in the city, Matia was bitterly critical about the role of international agencies especially on food and agriculture.
"The government will take steps whatever necessary for stabilising the rice and paddy price. You (International agencies) do whatever you can for taming up the upward trend of fuel and fertiliser prices," she said.
Chaired by Agriculture Secretary C Q K Mustaq Ahmed, the dialogue was organised jointly by BRAC, Bangladesh Rice Foundation (BRF) and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
About the procurement of aman, she said that the government would take decision considering the overall situation. "The government procures rice and paddy at rescue prices, not incentive prices. So it will consider procuring aman if price witnesses a big fall in the market," Matia said.
She also urged all not to worry about the aman price and the government's procurement plan.
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