Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder on Wednesday said that the government would procure rice or paddy at rates previously announced by the government and the prices would not be hiked.

The minister came up with the remarks at a meeting through video conference with Barishal division officials in the morning.

Farmers are getting proper price due to bumper yield of Boro crops under the monitoring and direction of the government, he said, adding: “Procurement should be sped up to maintain the market price.”

Legal action will be taken against any kind of irregularities in procuring the rice and paddy, he warned.

Requesting mill owners, Majumder said it is time to help people during Coronavirus and step forward with a mentality of service.

Also read: Expedite paddy, rice procurement: Food Minister

This year’s procurement must be farmer-friendly and zero tolerance will be shown over the standard, the minister said, adding that no farmer should sell their production to middle-men or syndicates.

Directorate General of Food, Additional Directorate General, Commissioner of Barishal Division, Regional Food controller, deputy commissioners of Barishal, Pirojpur, Barguna, Jhalakathi, Bhola, Patuakhali districts were present at the video conference meeting.

Also read: Carry out boro procurement activities to ensure food safety: Minister