Govt plans to add potato to TCB sales list

The government plans to include potato in the list of its key essentials meant for 10-million low-income families, according to sources.

The issue of selling potato at a subsidised rate came as it has become dearer in the kitchen market in recent months.

The plan is now in its preliminary stage. The state agencies concerned are now working on the issue.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) sat in a meeting recently to review the matter.

Besides, the commerce ministry will take the final decision on the issue.

The price of this widely-consumed item has increased abnormally in the last couple of months. Currently, potato is sold at Tk 70-80 per kg in the retail market.

Presently, the TCB is selling rice, lentils and edible oil at subsidised rates among 10 million cardholder families, with around 30-32 per cent of the country's population benefiting from the programme.

The TCB is currently selling some essential items at subsidised rates for 10 million people. The agencies cannot sell sugar now due to its shortfall in the stock.

Besides, sugar, gram, dates, etc. are sold at affordable prices during the holy month of Ramadan. These products are procured every month as per annual procurement plan following the Public Procurement Act 2006 and the Public Procurement Rules 2008.

The TCB chairman could not be contacted despite several attempts over phone for comment on the issue.

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