Commoners hit hard as rice prices increase in Magura

Rice prices have registered a sharp rise in Magura district in recent time causing extreme sufferings to the common consumers.

During a visit to different markets in the district town, different varieties of rice were seen to be sold at hiked prices.

Premium quality Miniket rice was being sold in the retail market at Tk80 per kg while the medium quality varieties of rice were selling for Tk65 to 70 per kg and the coarse varieties of rice were available at Tk56 to 58 per kg.

Market insiders said the prices of rice have increased by Tk5 to 6 per kg within a week. In this situation, retailers are accusing millers while millers are blaming famers. But consumers blame traders and millers' syndicates and weak monitoring for the price spiral.

An easy-bike driver of Shajiara area in Magura town said, "I maintain a family of 10 members. At least 5 kg rice is required in my family every day. Now my family expenditure has jumped by Tk30 per day due to the price hike of rice. How shall I survive now?."

Rice trader Mosharraf Hossen of Puratan Bazar in Magura town said, "Rice price has jumped within a week. But what shall we do as now we are purchasing rice from millers at higher prices?."

Miller Shabu Sharif of Shajiara area in Magura town said, "Now we are purchasing paddy from traders at higher prices; consequently we have increased rice prices."

Bidhan Shaha, a trader of Notun Bazar area in Magura town, said, "Now we are purchasing paddy from farmers at hiked prices compared to one week ago. So now we are demanding higher prices from millers for our rice."

Farmer Razab Ali of Nanduali village under Magura sadar upazila commented, " Actually a vast majority of the farmers in this district have no paddy in their storehouse at present. The paddy which is still in their occupation is only for their domestic use not for sale. So how shall farmers sell paddy to traders?."

Lawyer Mokhleshur Rahman of Vina area in Magura town said, "A bumper production of boro paddy has been achieved throughout the country including Magura. There is no shortage of rice in the country. Actually syndicate of traders and millers is dominating the market to cash money. But monitoring by the government authorities in this regard is not satisfactory."

When contacted, Shajal Ahmed, assistant director of the Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection, Magura, said, "We are continuing monitoring on a regular basis. In the meantime, we have fined many traders for increasing rice prices. However, rice market is now under control."

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