Staff Correspondent

Only 1 percent of Boro farmers have been able to sell their produce at the government-set purchase price of Tk 1,040 per maund this year, according to a study by Brac Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD).

On average, farmers have received just Tk 765 per maund, found the study, based on surveys on 2,834 farm households across the country.

Year after year, Boro farmers have reported having to sell their paddy far lower than the government-fixed prices. Not getting due prices this year came as a double blow to them as they had to bear increased production costs because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Besides, they earned 40 percent less profit compared to previous years.

A nationwide government drive to purchase Boro paddy from farmers began on April 26. It will continue till August 31.

About half the respondents said they got between Tk 701 and Tk 900 per maund. About 13 percent were forced to sell per maund of their produce below Tk 600, according to the study.

On the other hand, production costs increased by 13 percent this year, it said.