DUMURIA, KHULNA, May 6: The government has formally launched the internal Boro paddy procurement in Dumuria Upazila of the district.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sabita Sarkar inaugurated the programme as the chief guest on the Upazila silo premises on Wednesday morning. Upazila Food Controller Sultana Parveen chaired the ceremony.
Among others, Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Sohel Md Zillur Rahman Rigan and Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist Md Nazmul Huda spoke as special guests. Dumuria Press Club General Secretary Sheikh Mahatab Hossin, and farmer representatives including Md Abdul Kuddus, Sheikh Abdul Gaffar and Jannatul Ferdous were also present.
Officials said paddy is being procured directly from farmers as per targets fixed annually by the Ministry of Food and the Department of Agriculture. Under the current system, only registered farmers selected through lottery via the "Krishoker App" can sell their produce to the government silo.
To ensure the quality of paddy, the maximum moisture level has been set at 14 percent.
The paddy must be clean, nutritious and free from lice, and the price will be paid directly to the farmer's bank account, ensuring transparency and secure transactions.
Speaking on the occasion, the UNO stressed that no irregularities or involvement of middlemen would be tolerated in the procurement process.
"The government is committed to ensuring fair prices for farmers. They should bring paddy directly to the government silo without relying on brokers," she said, urging farmers to report any harassment immediately.
She also advised farmers to dry and clean the paddy before bringing it to the silo and keep the moisture below 14 percent to avoid problems with storage.
To ensure wider participation, a specific limit (generally around one tonne) has been set for each farmer so that small and marginal farmers get more opportunities and big traders cannot supply excess paddy using the farmer's name.
Officials added that verification is being done through NID cards or farmer cards so that a farmer cannot supply paddy more than once.
After the discussion meeting the UNO planted a tree on the government silo premises.
