JAMALPUR. Feb 1: Prices of paddy and rice have increased sharply for the past one week due to low production of the crop tn the district during the current season, reports UNB.

According to local rice traders, shortage of paddy production in the district in t^e current season is the main reason behind the present crisis.

Agriculture Extension Department here also hold similar opinion and Informed that only 1.5 lakh acres of land could be brought under cultivation instead of the targeted 2.5 lakh acres during the current season. Many farmers could not cultivate paddy due to priefc hike of inputs including seeds and fertilisers.

According to a survey in the local markets, the prices of coarse and paijam rice varieties per kilogra,m have increased by Taka 2.00 and 2.50 respectively between January 20 and 28.