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The government has started the procurement of Aman rice across the Magura district.
Sources from the office of the district controller of food (DC) said a total of 210 metric tonnes of rice would be procured at a price of Tk 39 per kg from local supply depots.
Among 187 mill owners of the region, only 9 are allowed to supply rice to the government as the rest have been black listed for not taking part in the procurement drive in last season.
Due to the low procurement rate, 178 millers refused to supply rice in the previous Boro season, said farmers.
This time they are very optimistic of being a part of the drive as the rate is relatively higher than before, said a black listed miller Shabu Sharif of Magura.
“Only to avoid loss, we did not cooperate last time. We had no other motives to put the government in such awkward situation,” he said.
But the millers who suffered loss by supplying rice in the Boro season have appreciated government’s stern attitude towards the black listed owners.
“Those who do not stand beside government during crucial period should not be allowed to make profits from any government programmes,” said Bakit Hoosen, a miller of Sonaullah area.
Magura district controller of food, Rezaul Islam said they have rejected the black listed millers’ appeal to be a part of the current drive.
“The government should take all the decisions regarding the millers. We have nothing to do here,’’ he added.