CHATTOGRAM, June 04, 2026 (BSS)- After failure to achieve the target for five consecutive year in Aman procurement, the Food Department has finally made a turnaround this year. 

In the current fiscal year of 2025-26, the procurement of paddy and rice in the Chattogram region has surpassed the established target, which is regarded as a significant achievement.

 As per the Food Department, the procurement goal for paddy, parboiled, and uncooked rice for this fiscal year was set at 145,953 tons. By the end of the season, a total of 160,291 tons were procured, representing 109.81 percent of the target. 

Officials view this achievement after five years of continuous failure as a favorable development.
 
According to the procurement team members participation of the farmers has increased as a result of the price fixed by the government this year. 

For the current season, the price of paddy was set at Taka 34 per kg, parboiled rice at Taka 50, and uncooked rice at Taka 49. Farmers are keen to sell paddy in government storage facilities due to the rise in paddy and rice prices compared to the previous year. 

The government initiated the procurement program from November 20 of last year until March of this year. This initiative was carried out in 9 districts within the Chattogram division. 

Although the initial target was modest, it was subsequently raised due to increased production. A data analysis revealed that there has been notable advancement in paddy procurement. Against a target of 6,637 tons, a total of 21,511 tons have been procured, representing 324 percent of the goal. However, the targets for parboiled and uncooked rice have nearly been achieved. Parboiled rice was procured a total of 103,443 tons, while uncooked rice amounted to 35,337 tons. 

Officials have noted that while the quality of paddy and rice in the Chattogram region differs slightly from that of the northern region, the production landscape is improving due to the adoption of new varieties and modern agricultural techniques. But, additional efforts are required to enhance quality production, considering factors such as land quality, weather conditions, and salinity levels. 

G. M. Faruk Hossain Patwari, Chattogram Regional Food Controller, informed reporters that the favorable production in the current season has enabled the procurement of more paddy and rice than initially targeted. 
 
Besides, farmers have willingly participated in the procurement drive as the prices given by the government this year are nearly aligned with market rates. 

Experts in agriculture have pointed out that despite the rise in production; it was challenging to integrate farmers into the government procurement system in previous years. However, this year has seen a shift, with farmers receiving fair prices. To sustain this positive trend, they recommend focusing on streamlining the procurement process, expediting payments, and more effectively engaging local mill owners.