BSS, Dhaka
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder on Monday said the government will not procure paddy from middlemen as the ministry’s key target is to purchase from real farmers.
He said this while addressing a review meeting on progress of internal Boro procurement campaign 2021 in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions joining it virtually from his office at the secretariat.
Sadhan asked the authorities concerned to monitor that none can stockpile foods without food grain license.
He urged the food officers to remain alert to ensure that millers provide rice in due time as per the agreement.
The minister said 75 percent procurement target should be achieved by June 30.
Mentioning that no excuse would be accepted in failure in Boro procurement, he said those who have already been able to meet the target of Boro procurement target would be given fresh allocation.
Departmental actions would be taken against those whose progress is not satisfactory, he said.
Sadhan said field level officials should look into why millers are dilly-dallying in providing rice.
If field level information becomes correct, it becomes easier to make plan, he said.
Noting that deputy commissioners lead in market monitoring activities, he said engagement of food officers in market and mill-gate monitoring should be enhanced in coordination with deputy commissioners to keep the price of rice under control.
He urged the ministry officials to play a responsible role to make the ongoing Boro procurement drive a success.
Director General of Directorate of Food Sheikh Muzibar Rahman chaired the meeting while Food Secretary Dr Mosammat Nazmanara Khanum addressed it as the special guest.
Field level officials under Directorate of Food in Rajshahi and Rangpur Division also joined the meeting virtually.