Govt targets procuring 8.5 lakh tonnes of paddy and rice in FY27.
Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman today said the government has set a target of procuring three lakh metric tons of Aman paddy and five lakh metric tons of parboiled rice in the current fiscal year 2026-27.
Alongside this, 50,000 metric tons of atap (fine) rice will be procured, and he also noted that the country currently holds the highest food stock in its history compared to any other time.
The adviser came up with this disclosure at the weekly press briefing on the progress of different ministries of the government, held at the conference room of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the Secretariat.
Presenting details of the Ministry of Food, he said the procurement price has been fixed at Tk 35 per kg for Aman paddy, while Tk 49 per kg for parboiled rice and Tk 48 per kg for atap rice.
The paddy procurement drive will run from November 14, 2026 to February 28, 2027, while the rice procurement drive will continue from December 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027.
Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said the government will take necessary measures to buy paddy from farmers even if they want to sell more than the set target. The procurement price has been fixed by adding a fair margin to the farmers' production cost.
Alongside ensuring food security to tackle global uncertainties and possible crises, he said, distribution of 30 kg of rice per month at Tk 15 per kg to 55 lakh rural poor families -- under the Food Friendly Programme -- and distribution of fortified rice (nutritious rice) in 300 upazilas are continuing.
Referring to the energy sector, he said the government is giving priority to solar energy to tackle the ongoing energy crisis. The Prime Minister himself is encouraging the initiative with his personal presence.
Speaking about the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the adviser said the board formed to fix the minimum wage for garment workers has held a meeting. The new minimum wage will be finalised by December.
He said new progress has been made regarding the pledge to send 10,000 workers to Malaysia completely free of cost (zero cost) under Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL) through the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare, including the selection of 300 candidates in the initial phase.
Speaking about sports, he said "Notun Kuri Sports Season 2" has started to explore sports talents among children and adolescents. The government is working to develop sports and culture not just as hobbies, but as lucrative careers and a "creative economy" for the youth, he added.
The adviser said four more important contract packages have been signed for Metro Rail Line-1 to ease traffic congestion in Dhaka.
Besides, foundation stone has been laid for the project to increase the capacity and develop Mongla Port to boost international trade and logistics activities, he said.
In addition, to protect the environment, he said, drives are being conducted regularly against polluting establishments, with fines being realised and connections being cut off.
Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed and Additional Secretary of the Ministry Md Shah Alam were present.
