The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Narail

Prices of food grains are gradually coming down in 10 south-western districts as the harvesting of Aman paddy has begun in full swing.

Officials of Department of Agriculture Extension, Narail and people of the districts under the Khulna Division are expecting bumper production of Aman paddy this season due to favourable weather and easy availability of inputs including fertilisers.

Local people said the arrival of new paddy in the markets has pushed down its price by at least Taka three to five per kilogram.

Coarse rice is now selling at Tk 22 to 23 per kg as against Tk 25 to 28 before the start of harvesting season. The price of fine rice ranges between Tk 30 to 32 per kg compared to Tk 34 to 36 a month ago.

Market sources said price of one maund of quality paddy is Tk 650 to 670 at present as against Tk 700 to 750. Coarse paddy is now available at Tk 600 to 620 per mound as against 660 to 675 in last two weeks.

Production of 19.12 lakh tonnes of rice worth about Tk 3,250 crore is expected from 7.53 lakh hectares of land in Narail, Jessore, Jhenidah, Magura, Kushtia, Chuadanga Meherpur, Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat districts, the sources said.

Production of 2.70 tonnes hybrid Aman paddy and 1.60 tonnes of local Aman Paddy are expected from per hectare of land. Farmers Abul Khaer Khan of village Amada under Lohagora upazila and Golam Rasul Beg of village Hogladanga under Sadar upazila in Narail said Aman production would help them a lot to overcome their financial problems.

Favourable climate condition, adequate supply of necessary fertilisers and pesticides are the reasons behind the bumper production of Aman this season, they added. Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) and other government Banks had disbursed adequate crop loans in time in Khulna Division.