A nearly 20-year-old rice mill in the Sonairchhari area of Ukhiya remains operational, continuing to serve local farmers despite its age.
Located on the northern side of Sonar Para Bazaar, the old mill still plays an important role for farmers in the area by providing essential rice-processing services.
Owner Shahidul Alam said he established the mill about two decades ago, with the needs of coastal farmers in mind. At that time, there were no rice mills in the locality, forcing residents to travel long distances to have their rice processed.
“In the beginning, there was a shortage of workers, so I tried to manage all operations myself. Gradually, I hired a few workers and expanded the activities, which allowed us to increase production and better serve the community’s needs for processed rice,” he said.
When asked about the condition of the old machinery, Alam said regular maintenance has kept them functional. “The machines are still in excellent condition. He added that they fix minor issues by bringing in mechanics when needed.
At present, the mill has three machines — a paddy-processing machine, a rice-milling machine, and a charcoal-producing unit. Despite the passage of time, the mill continues to support local farmers by providing access to modern processing equipment and ensuring fair pricing for their produce.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
