Syndicate of middlemen controls wheat price depriving farmers

MAGURA, Mar 17: A syndicate of middlemen is controlling the wheat price depriving the farmers in Magura.

Newly harvested wheat has started appearing in the market. But low price has shattered the dream of farmers. A bumper production of wheat has been achieved in the district this year.

But the bumper production has failed to bring smile on the faces of farmers as middlemen are dominating the market.

According to Magura Agriculture Extension Department (DAE), a total of 8,300 hectares of land were brought under wheat cultivation in the district this year. A bumper production of wheat has been achieved in the district which is 27,335 tonnes.

Toumur Islam, a wheat farmer of village Kullia under Magura Sadar upazila said wheat is being sold in the local market at Tk 650 to Tk 700 per maund as against the production cost of Tk 850 to Tk 900 per maund.

Actually a syndicate of middlemen is exploiting us to make a quick buck, he lamented.

Moinuddin, another farmer of village Vina under Magura Sadar upazila said production cost of wheat is higher this year compared to last year. On the other hand, the price is lower this year compared to last year.

Uday Shaha, a wheat stockist in Notun Bazar area under Magura town refuted the allegation of making syndicate.

Wheat price will increase after the beginning of wheat procurement drive, he added.

On contact. DAE officialin Magura Shubrata Kumar Chattergy said wheat farmers need not to be worried.

Government is going to start wheat procurement drive from April I to ensure fair price for the farmers.

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