High prices of BADC seeds frustrate Magura peasants

MAGURA, Nov 04: High prices of seeds of the Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) have frustrated growers in the district.

Sources said a total of 90 dealers sell BADC seeds. But most of the dealers are yet to take delivery of seeds due to high rate.

Such a situation, just before Rabi and Boro season, has raised concern among the grassroots farmers.

BADC has fixed Tk 50 for one kg paddy seeds and Tk 46 for one kg wheat seeds this season.

BADC dealer Md Muraduzzaman of the district town said he was not able to draw seeds from the corporation office yet due to high rates.

Another dealer Shahid Shikder of Magura Chaulia Bus Stand area said BADC seed prices were also high last year for severe flood and other reasons but this year there was no reason to fix high prices for seeds.

Farmer Hafizur Rahman of Vina area under Sadar upazila said, "I asked at least 10 dealers for BADC paddy seeds but each of them turned me away."

"In this situation I have decided to purchase seeds from local market", the grower added.

BADC official Hapzur Rahman denied the matter of exorbitant rate of BADC seeds. He said seed prices were reasonable as before.

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