Aman paddy procurement drive of the government began in the district yesterday amid much enthusiasm and eagerness to the farmers.
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder inaugurated the paddy procurement drive on Sunday afternoon virtually joining from his office Dhaka as the chief guest while Food secretary Mosammat Nazmanara Khatun presided over the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister said the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is committed to ensuring the price of the crops produced by the farmers so that the farmers could be benefitted economically. The Minister also urged the food officials and the staff to procure paddy from the farmers sincerely without any harassment. Gaibandha deputy commissioner Abdul Matin and district controller of food Antara Mollick were also connected to the function virtually from the premises of local supply depot (LSD) in Khankasharif area of the district town.
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Sadar upazila agriculture officer Al-Imran, upazila food controller Mofakkharul Islam, general secretary of district Krishak League Dipak Kumar Paul, farmers and civil society members including journalists were present on the occasion.
Later, one metric ton of paddy was purchased from the farmers directly on the inaugural day.
District food office sources said as many as 7,446 tonnes of Aman paddy would be procured from the farmers through 11 purchasing centers of the district this season.
The price of per kg of paddy was also fixed at Taka 27, sources added.