MAGURA, Oct 06: Skyrocketing prices of rice have sent a chill down the spine of the people of the low-income bracket in Magura.
Prices of the staple, especially of the coarse varieties, have registered a sharp rise in the district within a short span of time.
Low-income group people have become the worst-sufferers for the price hike of rice.
During a recent visit to Purtan Bazar of Magura town, Swarna variety rice was seen selling at Tk45 per kg against Tk 38 two months back while BR-28 variety was selling at Tk48 per kg against Tk 43 and Shubal Lata was available at Tk50 per kg against Tk 45 two months back.
In the present situation, low-income group people are longing to buy the rice varieties under the government's especial Open Market Sale (OMS) programme that was launched across the country with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Under the especial OMS programme, rice was then sold at Tk10 per kg.
District Food Office sources said OMS programme was run in the district from April to June.
A total of 9,600 people under the OMS programme could purchase rice at Tk10 per kg in the district.
China Begum, a domestic worker by profession of Islampur area in Magura town, said, "Earlier we got rice at Tk10 per kg. But for the last three months we are not getting rice at that price. Consequently, I'm now being compelled to purchase rice at Tk48 per kg. I'm facing extreme hardship due to the price hike of rice. Resuming of rice sale at Tk10 per kg under OMS can give us a great relief."
Balai Kuri , a rice dealer of Magura town, said, "Every day people come to us to take rice at Tk10 per kg . But they return home with broken heart failing to get that. Though we are selling rice at Tk30 per kg under general OMS programme, the programme is not so lucrative to the low-income group people like the especial OMS programme.
District Food Controller Hafizur Rahman said, "Actually the especial OMS programme was run due to the coronavirus pandemic. Though it (especial OMS programme) is not in operation at present we are running two other especial programmes, including the general OMS programme for the low-income people."
"If we get instruction from the higher authority to open especial OMS programme we'll surely do that," he added.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
