Harvesting of Irri-Boro pushing down food grain prices

JESSORE, May 2 (BSS): Harvesting of Irri-Boro paddy is gradually pushing down prices of food grains in the markets of 10 districts under southwestern region of Khulna division. Markets sources said the prices of rice have come down by at least Tk three to four per kilogram and paddy by Tk 150 to 200 per mound. Now one-kilogram coarse rice is being sold at TK 30, which was Tk 33 to 34 a week ago. The Kajollata and Minicate varieties are now selling between Tk 40 and 41 per Kg which was Tk TK 44 to 45 some days ago. The farmers and agronomists are expecting a bumper production of Irri-Boro paddy in the districts this season as the plants have grown well duet to a favorable climatic condition. Timely irrigation and availability of fertilisers have helped the Boro plants in the districts to grow fast, said deputy director of Narail Agriculture Extension Department MD Abdul Aziz. Harvesting of Irri-Boro, which is now going on in full swing at all the places in Jessore, Narail, Jhenaidah, Magura, Kushtia, Chuadanga, Meherpur, Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat districts, has provided job opportunities to thousand of landless people. Favorable climatic condition, adequate supply of necessary fertilizers and pesticides are the reasons behind the bumper production of Irri-Boro paddy, said the farmers and AED officials. The Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) and other government and non-government banks had disbursed adequate crop loans to make the cultivation a complete success in the region.