The collection of Boro paddy and rice under the Internal Boro 2025 Procurement Program is progressing at full pace in Cox’s Bazar, with the district achieving its target of collecting 3,118 metric tonnes of paddy successfully. The district food controller’s office confirmed that four upazilas have already met their rice collection targets.
According to sources, the Ministry of Food has launched the Internal Boro 2025 Procurement Program nationwide to ensure fair prices for marginal farmers, address potential food shortages, and maintain emergency food grain reserves.
The Cox’s Bazar District Food Controller’s Office informed that this year’s collection targets across nine upazilas are: 2,500 metric tonnes of boiled rice, 4,671 metric tonnes of atap rice, and 3,118 metric tonnes of paddy. The paddy collection target has already been fully achieved.
The rice collection targets by upazila are: Sadar, 394 metric tonnes; Ukhiya, 790; Teknaf, 312; Eidgaon, 262; Chakaria, 1,341; and Pekua, 326 metric tonnes.
District Food Controller, Md. Abu Kawsar stated that the paddy and rice collection is being carried out in accordance with government policies and at fixed prices. So far, 3,118 metric tonnes of paddy have been collected, meeting the target. Additionally, Sadar, Eidgaon, Pekua, and Teknaf upazilas have achieved their rice collection targets by collecting 1,294 metric tonnes. Collection in Ukhiya, Ramu, and Chakaria is ongoing in full swing. Of the 2,500 metric tonnes of boiled rice targeted, 900 metric tonnes have already been collected.
In response to a query, the food controller noted that the procurement program began on April 17 and will continue until August 31. He expressed optimism that the rice collection target will be achieved within the stipulated time. He added that Maheshkhali and Kutubdia upazilas are excluded from the program as paddy production in these areas is comparatively low.
According to official sources, the government-set procurement prices are Tk 36 per kg for paddy, Tk 48 per kg for atap rice, and Tk 39 per kg for boiled rice, which can be procured from licensed millers.
Sujit Bihari Dey, acting Food Warehouse Officer for Sadar Upazila, stated that they have achieved the target of collecting 394 metric tonnes of rice within the government-specified timeframe during the Boro season. The paddy collection was similarly completed earlier. He added that collection is ensured through quality assessment and inspection processes.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Collected
