2024-03-05 03:12:55
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder said that one and a half lakh tons of rice will be distributed among 50 lakh families under the food friendly program by March 10.
On Monday (March 4), he gave this information in response to questions from reporters at the end of the third session of the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
Regarding the promotion of food friendly program, the minister said, I have asked to lift the food friendly program from March 1. It was decided to distribute rice from March 1 to 20. It will now be completed by March 10.
Sadhan Chandra Majumder said, “I think if one and a half lakh tons of rice goes at the price of Tk 15 per kg in the market, then 50 lakh families will not have to buy rice from the market.” I think it will bring relief.
When asked whether the instruction to write prices and varieties on rice sacks has been implemented since February 20, the food minister said, “We said that we will issue the circular by February 20 and we will implement it from April 14 or Pahela Boishakh.” Because rice which is now in the market is bagged and sealed, no one will change the packet anymore. Boro rice will rise in the new year, then it will be effective
Can the DCs provide any updates on this process? In response to such question, he said, we have started meeting with DC, mill owners. Samples of paddy and rice varieties are also being provided to them. Rice Research Institute has given those varieties. In Aush, Aman and Boro, some varieties, which are fat, medium and thin, are mentioned. I am working with them on that.
The Food Minister said that we have been successful to a large extent in the anti-stocking drive with the DCs. I have appealed to them, given instructions, so that they cooperate fully in implementing the change that has come about by writing the name of the caste on the bag. Besides, instructions have also been given to stop the change of type of rice through retrenchment.