Due to the countrywide indefinite blockade enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance and rampant violence that ensued, the price of paddy has drastically fallen in Thakurgaon.
The farmers of the district has been facing a great loss as they are not getting due price for their produce. Moreover, businessmen are also frustrated as they are not being able to distribute paddy across the country.
According to the farmers, even a week ago paddy was selling at Tk700 per maund at the Mokam (local market of raw agro-produces). But since the blockade started, the price has fallen to Tk540 per maund. The reason being the disinterest from the businessmen who are struggling to distribute the already collected amount.
Many traders said they could not transport the paddy to various warehouses due to the lack of transport. As a result, the paddy is left in the open making them to lose moisture and quality in the process.
The transport owners have been reluctant to operate their vehicles fearing the vandalising and arson during the blockade.
Hossain Hawlader, a farmer from Kalitola village of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila, came to sell his paddy at the Chowdhury Bazar last Thursday. But he was utterly frustrated as he had to sell the paddy only for Tk540 whereas his production cost was Tk770 per maund.
Farmer Salam Mia of Jamalpur union said: “We did not get a good price in the last two years. So we are hoping to make some profit this time since the yield was high. But this political situation is destroying us.”
Businessman Abu Taher said he could not send paddy to the warehouses in the last one week. “The paddy is turning dark day by day as it is losing moisture. This also causes them to lose weight. I will face a huge loss by selling this poor quality paddy. That is why I am not buying anymore,” he added.
General Secretary of Thakurgaon District Rice-mill Owners’ Association, Mahmud Hasan Baju said: “Farmers got a good harvest of Aman crop this year. Also the price was good at the beginning of the season. But now they are really frustrated.”