Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar has said that the present interim government is working persistently to ensure food security for all the people in the country.
"The government is starting food storage activities so that farmers get some profit along with production costs and the government can sell food grains to the poor in emergencies at low prices through the 'open market," he said.
The adviser said these while briefing journalists after a view-sharing meeting on 'Targets and Achievements of the Aman Procurement during the Current Season' at the Circuit House in Nilphamari today, said a PID press note issued here this afternoon.
The food adviser said about one lakh tonnes of paddy have already been collected across the country. There is no major problem in storing paddy. In addition, sufficient bags are ready for food warehouses and packaging.
Regarding paddy procurement, he said that the target for this year's Aman paddy and rice procurement will be achieved and the surplus paddy can be partially filled in the areas where there is a shortage of the food grain.
"Although the procurement of paddy is a little difficult due to humidity, it can be compensated by procuring rice," he said.
Regarding the price fixation of Aman, the adviser said that this year, the price of paddy and rice has been determined by three Taka more per kg than the last year, considering the production costs and profits of farmers.
He expressed a firm hope that the storage activities will be completed before the deadline for paddy procurement in the Aman season ends.
"The government will continue the open market sales activities so that the prices of goods do not increase, focusing on the upcoming Ramadan," the adviser added.
Director General of the Directorate General of Food Md. Abdul Khaleque, Divisional Commissioner of Rangpur Md Shahidul Islam, all the Deputy Commissioners of Rangpur Division and District Food Controllers were present.
