Paddy procurement yet to get momentum in Sylhet region

SYLHET, July 03: Although the paddy procurement target was increased following the demand from peasants, the much-talked about paddy purchasing by the Food Department is yet to get momentum in Sylhet region.

Only 4,714 tonnes of paddy have so far been procured in four districts of the division against the revised target of 36,807 tonnes, an official said on Tuesday.

It includes 996 tonnes in Sylhet, 569 tonnes in Moulvibazar, 1,070 tonnes in Habiganj and highest 2,079 tonnes in Sunamganj.

Meanwhile, the Food Department started rice purchase from its listed millers and so far 30,515 tonness of rice have already been procured.

The official admitted the slow progress in paddy purchase for different reasons although there had been a huge demand from common farmers, who harvested a good yield this year.

The government has set the purchasing target of rice at 68,324 tonnes and paddy at 13,803 tonnes in Sylhet division.

But the paddy purchasing target was increased to 36,807 tonnes after social activists and farmers' demand to increase the procurement target.

Farmers alleged that only a few farmers were listed to supply paddy to the government whereas the millers were contracted in large numbers to supply rice only to benefit the businesses.

On the other hand, the common farmers are compelled to sell out their produce at lower prices even the the production cost.

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