Stop imports during peak harvest, buy directly from farmers
We are concerned by the falling paddy prices across the country at a time when Aman harvesting is at its peak. Data from more than a dozen districts show that despite good yields this season, farmers are counting losses instead of profits. Paddy prices have reportedly fallen by Tk 100–150 per maund within just two weeks, leaving many growers unable to recover their production costs. Farmers and traders point to a surge in rice imports during the harvest season as the primary cause behind this sudden price drop. While the country imported no rice in FY 2023-24, it brought in 14.36 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25—the highest in a decade. This has lowered paddy prices at a time when domestic supply is naturally at its peak.
For farmers, the consequences are severe. Growers like Shakiul Islam in Gaibandha and Sarwar Alam in Dinajpur report production costs of around Tk 1,240 per maund, yet the market is offering only Tk 1,150–1,180. According to the Bogura Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), production costs for one kilogramme (kg) of Aman paddy increased by Tk 1 to Tk 31 compared to last year. Per bigha costs have also risen due to the higher prices of pesticides and fertilisers. Many farmers also allege that prices fall sharply when they sell, but rise once the grain reaches millers and traders. For those who already suffered losses from potato cultivation earlier this year, facing another round of financial uncertainty is particularly troubling.
Clearly, the government's decision to delay imports when prices were high, and then to rush imports during the domestic harvest has disrupted the market and pushed prices down artificially. Experts have rightly described this as a management failure. These actions have offered little relief to consumers while causing significant harm to growers. Moreover, the government's procurement target—only 50,000 tonnes at Tk 34 per kg—is far too small to meaningfully support farmers or stabilise prices. Strict quality requirements are also preventing many growers from selling their grain to government silos.
Therefore, to ensure fair prices for Aman growers, the government must take decisive action. Imports should be suspended immediately, at least during the peak harvest period, and domestic procurement must be expanded substantially so that farmers can sell their produce at a better rate. Policies governing imports and procurement should be revised to align with domestic production cycles and protect growers. Last but not least, the government should consider forming an Agricultural Price Commission, as proposed earlier by agricultural experts and policymakers, to ensure fair prices for farmers, maintain market stability, and safeguard consumer interests.
