Distribution of OMS rice via card to start soon: Food Minister

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed to distribute OMS rice through cards, Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder said today.

The distribution process through cards will begin soon, he said while replying to a question from reporters after inspecting the ongoing open market sales activities (OMS) at Kapali Bazar under Porsha upazila of Naogaon this morning, according to a press release.

"Sometimes, a person will repeatedly take OMS rice and later sell it outside, while many do not get it. If distributed through cards, this trend can be curbed and everyone can then avail the OMS products. One can buy OMS rice once a week using the card," said the minister.

Replying to a question on whether rice will be imported from abroad to reduce the market price, he said there is adequate stock of rice in the country.

The Aman rice production has been good. Cultivation of Boro crops has started. Farmers will not get a fair price if rice is imported. They have to be paid fair price, the food minister added.

Saying that low-income people will not have any problem, the minister said OMS rice is being provided at Tk 30 per kg. Food-friendly programme will be launched this month.

Fifty lakh families will get 30 kg rice once a month.