CPD urges forming commission to set price of commodities

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) on Sunday demanded forming a Commission on Agricultural Prices to determine the prices of essential commodities, including seasonal rice and lentil variants.

This commission would make it easier to set long-term projections and short-term prices of commodities in Bangladesh. Through it, market signals can be received from which policymakers can take research-based action.

All these remarks came up at a virtual dialogue titled "Why is the price of rice going up? Who gains, who loses," organised by the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs.

Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of CPD, presided over the dialogue.

The noted economist said policy efficiency and social accountability should be increased in the country.

“If rice prices rise unusually, the pressure falls on the poor and middle-income people. The agriculture sector has improved but there is no improvement in the farmers’ condition,” he also said.

Debapriya said the policymakers did not take initiative to control the market that’s why rice prices went up here.

“The government has reduced duty on rice import from 62% to 25%. But no rice yet to reach retail market due to delayed decision,” he added.

He also added the prices may soar ahead of the month of Ramadan and it will be a reason of tension for many if proper initiatives are not taken.

“Small and medium farmers should be given more priority as many farmers claimed that they did not get proper support from the government during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.

Md Emaz Uddin Pramanik, MP, said, “Those who play with the prices of rice here don't love the country. They are like those who did not want independent Bangladesh during the Liberation War,” he also added.

Director General of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) Dr Md Shahjahan Kabir said there is no worry over food crisis in the country.

“Around 30 lakh tonnes of rice will be surplus in June in the country. Bumper Boro and Aus paddy was achieved in the last season and Aman rice varieties will come soon. So there will not be food crisis,” he added.

AKM Khorshed Alam Khan, president of Bangladesh Auto Rice Mill Owners’ Association said the rice prices go up due to poor harvest and stock. Besides different costs including electricity, energy and labour wages are also reasons behind the price hike.

Director General of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) Dr Md Nazirul Islam, Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) Dr Mirza Mofazzal Islam, noted journalist Shykh Seraj were, among others, present.