The government has initiated an open market sale (OMS) of perishables including potatoes, onions, and vegetables in the capital, aiming to alleviate the financial strain on fixed income earners. This move, described by Agriculture Ministry Secretary Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, marks the first instance of such an endeavor. A selection of vegetables will be offered at subsidized rates to low-income individuals as a component of a trial run.
The inauguration of this program is set to occur at the Directorate General of Food Office, with notable attendees including Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Salehuddin Ahmed, advisers to the agriculture and commerce ministries respectively, alongside commerce secretary Md Selim Uddin, and agriculture secretary Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian. The event will feature sales of potatoes at Tk 30 per kilogram, onions at Tk 70 per kilogram, and green vegetables at prices 20-30% below the current market rate.
Direct procurement from farmers will allow the ministry to supply these items through the OMS at various city locations. Initially, 20 spots have been designated for a two-week period, with plans to expand based on the project's success. The initiative follows a special meeting led by chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, with support from the Department of Agricultural Marketing, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation to facilitate implementation.
Source: NEW AGE