Rice prices in Dinajpur show downward trend

Rice prices have fallen in the retail markets of Dinajpur by Tk3-5 per kg over the last week ending the rising trend that prevailed at the end of Boro season.
The downward trend of rice prices has disappointed wholesalers and mill operators while giving the poor people a little relief.
Rice prices have also dropped in Joypurhat and Naogaon districts during the same period.
Md Mozaharul Hossain, a retailer in Dinajpur said, "BR-28 price has dropped from Tk35 per kg to Tk31 and miniket (fine rice) from Tk.42-43 to Tk.37."
"Coarse rice including BR-16 which was being sold at Tk 31-32 a Kg now being sold around Tk27," said Rafiqul Islam of Gopalganj rice market in Dinajpur Sadar.
Rice prices have fallen in all retail markets of the district including Bahadurbazaar, Gudribazaar and Railbazaar market, source said.
Md Shahidul Islam, a rice trader of Motiharabazaar in Nawabganj in the district said, "I sell coarse rice to the poor people in the area. Just a week ago I sold it for Tk.31 a Kg but it has now dropped to Tk28."
The price drop of rice has been attributed to steady import and the on-going government fair price sale among the people through different programmes.
Md Harun Ur Rashid, an importer of rice through the Hili port said, everyday around 10-12 trucks of rice are coming to country from India. Rice is coming through other land ports also, he said.
Besides, local administration distributed rice worth Tk1.40 crore in 13 upazilas during the Durga Puja celebration, which might have affected the local markets, locals said.
District Food Controller (DFC) of Dinajpur Md Anwar Hossain said that government had introduced OMS and VGF to help control the rice price in the district.
The wholesale rice traders are now clearing their stocks as government has procured large amounts of rice this year. Moreover, another bumper production is expected in the current season, he observed.