Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder has said that the government is ready to import rice by reducing duties, if deemed necessary.

The minister assured that the government is actively identifying and taking action against those responsible for manipulating the market. Photo: Somoy

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting on ‘What to do to control the rice market,’ the minister addressed concerns about the recent fluctuations in the rice market, emphasising the government’s commitment to maintaining stability.

Minister Majumder acknowledged that the rice market had remained stable for nine months, even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He, however, expressed his concern about the recent surge in rice prices and attributed it to the control exerted by a few businessmen in specific districts over the paddy and rice market.

The minister assured that the government is actively identifying and taking action against those responsible for manipulating the market.

Pointing at mill owners, Majumder urged them to act with a sense of social responsibility and conscience.

He emphasised the need for mill owners to contribute to the welfare of society, urging them to refrain from any exploitative practices that could lead to undue advantages for a select few.

Expressing his desire for farmers to receive higher prices for their paddy, the food minister highlighted the paradox where despite the increased cost of paddy, farmers are not reaping the benefits. Instead, he noted that hoarders are taking advantage of the situation.

The government is actively taking measures against such hoarders to ensure a fair market for farmers, Majumder added.

To further regulate the rice market, the minister proposed a new law requiring the price of rice at the millgate to be clearly labeled on rice bags, along with the date of manufacture, and mentioned that the legislation is in progress and is expected to be effective soon.

The minister emphasized that once implemented, this law would prevent the sale of paddy and rice under misleading names, such as Miniket.

During the discussion meeting, the Deputy Commissioner of Kushtia, Secretary of the Ministry of Food Md Ismail Hossain, and Director General of Food Department Sakhawat Hossain delivered speeches as special guests.

The food secretary affirmed the government’s vigilance over rice prices and warned that any attempts to manipulate prices would be met with legal actions.

In a surprise visit to various rice mills in Khawaja Nagar, Kushtia, Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder, along with other officials, inspected operations at Desh Agro, Subarna Auto-Rice Mill, Allah Dan Auto-Rice Mill, Swarna Auto-Rice Mill, and Rashid Auto-Rice Mill. The district administration took immediate action by sealing the godown of M/s Subarna Auto Flower Mill due to illegal storage of wheat and flour.

Besides, the evidence of illegal rice storage led to the sealing of a rice godown belonging to one of the mills.

The government’s proactive stance and commitment to regulating the rice market demonstrate a concerted effort to ensure fair prices for farmers and stability in the overall rice industry.

The measures taken against illegal storage underscore the determination to root out any practices that may compromise the integrity of the market.

Published Date: January 31, 2024