Govt must procure paddy directly from farmers
Leaders of Bangladesh Krishak Samity (BKS), an organisation of farmers, yesterday called a sit-in programme in front of deputy commissioners’ offices in all districts of the country on May 23, demanding fair prices of paddy.
Sazzad Jahir Chandan, general secretary of the association, made the announcement at a farmers’ rally in the capital’s Jatiya Press Club.
He also demanded setting up paddy purchasing centres under government supervision in every union to ensure profitable price for farmers.
“We will call non-stop sit-in and nationwide road blockade programmes next month if the government does not take any initiative in this regard by this time,” he said.
Advocate SMA Sabur, president of the association, said the government is yet to take any step, although farmers are frustrated and have been protesting by setting their paddy on fire.
“The government claimed that the country has achieved self-sufficiency in food grains but the farmers who contribute to this achievement are not getting reasonable prices for their paddy,” he claimed.
Sabur alleged that the government itself is enabling local political leaders who are involved in determining low prices of paddy.
Condemning this practice, he said the government must procure paddy directly from farmers through establishing government purchase centres at union level. Prices of agricultural goods must also be reduced, he added.
Sabur also said many farmers have already become farm labourers, losing their land due to poor agricultural policy of the government.
“If the government does not take immediate steps, the country will face a severe agricultural crisis soon,” he said.
Along with the industrial sector, the government must also focus on the agricultural sector, he said.
After the rally, at least 50 farmers from different parts of the country brought out a procession and marched roads surrounding the press club.
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