The government has set a target to procure 1, 43,715 tonnes of boiled rice in the division during the current Boro season.
Last year, the rice procurement target was 1, 32,879 tonnes amidst the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic situation.
As part of the nationwide boro rice procurement drive that began on May 7 while boro paddy on April 28, the government will collect food grain from all 10 districts in Khulna division.
In addition to the rice procurement, the government will also purchase 82,595 tonnes of boro paddy from the same areas at the same time. Last year, paddy procurement target was 85,185 tonnes.
Mohammad Abdus Sobhan Sarder, Assistant Regional Controller of Food, said they will procure around 1.44 lakh tonnes of boiled rice this season.
He said procurement drive of the newly harvested rice is going on in full swing everywhere in the division that created a high hope of ensuring food security.
Regional Controller of Food Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman said the government had set a target to procure 1, 43,715 tonnes of boiled rice, and 82,595 tonnes of paddy in the division during the current season.
The Boro rice is being procured at Taka 40 per kilogram while boro paddy at Taka 27.
Around 10 percent boiled rice and 20 percent boro paddy procurement have been completed till Saturday, Rahman said, adding the procurement drive will end on August 31.
Contracts had been signed with a total of 1,932 millers for collecting 1, 43,715 tonnes of boiled rice, while 82,595 tonnes of boro paddy.
Currently, farmers are now very much pleased with the present lucrative market price for the latest harvested Boro paddy in the entire region including its coastal belt. The current selling rate was over expected to the farmers.
Selected farmers each can supply 120 kgs to three tonnes of boro paddy to government depot while millers will reach boiled rice at the depot containing 30kgs or 50 kgs in each sack. Both paddy and rice will be hoarded at the go-down after examining through machines.
