KUSHTIA: The price of rice has gone up in the Khazanagar area of Kushtia even in the Boro season. The price of all types of rice has gone up to Tk 2 per kg.
Traders claim that unscrupulous people are hoarding paddy and rice, creating a shortage in the market. The people concerned demanded early action by identifying the hoarders.
Khazanagar in Kushtia is one of the largest rice hubs in the country. The prices of all types of rice have gone up even in the harvesting season.
Rice price of different varieties increased up to Tk 2 per kg. Although it decreased a month ago, the price suddenly increased again.
The owners of the mills said, "There is no paddy in the market. Most of the farmers have stockpiled paddy and the price of rice has gone up in the market."
Joynal Abedin Pradhan, general secretary of the Rice Mill Owners' Association, said, "The farmers no longer want to sell paddy below Tk 1,300 per maund (40kg). Even though the paddy is being sold at Tk 1200 or 1250 per maund in the market at present. This season is an exception than any other."
The prices of paddy and rice were also lower at this time last year.
According to the Rice Mill Owners' Association, many traders have illegally stockpiled paddy and rice without a licence.
Omar Farooq, president of the Rice Mill Owners' Association, said, "We want those who have the valid licence to procure rice."
Most of the rice in the country is supplied from the Khazanagar area at Battal union under Sadar upazila in Kushtia. Hundreds of trucks carrying rice go to different districts including the capital every day.
