Government to buy paddy from farmers experimentally in three districts: Food Minister

He said this while speaking as chief guest at a view-exchange meeting with officials organized by the district administration and the Food Department at the Chattogram Circuit House on Monday (October 12) morning. If the pilot program is successful, it will be gradually expanded to other districts of the country.

The minister said the procurement process will be simplified so that farmers can sell paddy to the government easily and without harassment. Farmers' problems in opening bank accounts and completing necessary formalities will be taken into consideration. If necessary, the matter of paying money through mobile banking services like bKash will also be considered.

Emphasizing ensuring transparency in foodgrain procurement and distribution, the food minister said adequate stocks of rice and wheat and quality must be ensured to maintain food security. Foodgrains collected from all sources, including imports, must be accepted only if they meet the prescribed standards. By using designated seals on packets of distributed foodgrains, accountability will be ensured and it will be easier to identify those involved in irregularities.

He also said surveillance and food testing activities will be strengthened to ensure safe food. To this end, there are plans to supply food testing vehicles to all 64 districts of the country in the future.

The meeting was presided over by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, and Director General of the Directorate General of Food M. Jasim Uddin Khan and Additional Director General Md. Jamal Hossain spoke. After the meeting, the food minister visited the Zia Memorial Museum in the city.