The government will buy paddy directly from farmers to keep middlemen out and secure fair prices, starting with a pilot project in three districts that will be extended to others if it succeeds, Food Minister Afroza Khanam said on Monday (12 October) at a meeting with food department officials at the Chattogram Circuit House, Banglanews24's Chattogram staff correspondent reports.
The procurement process will be simplified so that farmers can sell paddy to the government easily and without harassment, she said. The difficulties farmers face in opening bank accounts and completing formalities will be taken into account, and payment through mobile banking services such as bKash may be considered.
Stressing transparency in distribution, the minister said adequate stocks and quality of rice and wheat are essential for food security. Grain from every source, imports included, must be accepted only if it meets the set standard, with no compromise on quality, and distributed packets must carry the prescribed seal so that those responsible for irregularities can be identified.
Monitoring will be stepped up to ensure safe food, and the use of harmful substances in food must be controlled, she said. There are plans to supply food-testing vehicles to all 64 districts.
Chattogram deputy commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia chaired the meeting, at which Directorate General of Food director general Md Jasim Uddin Khan and additional director general Md Jamal Hossain also spoke.
Photo: Balaram Mahalder / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Source: Banglanews24
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