OMS rice fails to attract consumers

Economic Correspondent: Open market sale (OMS) of rice launched by the government across the country on Monday for Tk 30 a kilogram. But consumers of the capital are reluctant to buy Atap rice mainly due to supply of non-parboiled rice.

The information was learnt visiting OMS outlets and talking to representatives of dealers of the capital’s Jhigatola, Azimpur, Motijheel Ideal School area and Farmgate from Sunday morning to noon.

Around 11:30am, representatives were seen passing lazy times on the OMS truck at Jhigatola bus stand as there were not enough consumers.

Habib, representative of dealer, said consumers are reluctant to buy Atap rice. Besides, the Tk 30 price per kilogram is also high for low-income people.

He, however, said the rice of Tk 30 will cost Tk 40 to buy in the market and Tk 17 flour will need at least Tk 25.

The government has no alternative way to run OMS as there was not enough rice stored except Atap rice, according to officials of Food Department.

Noyon, a rickshaw puller, bought 5 kg rice from OMS truck at Motijheel Ideal School area. He said rice of this year is better than that of last year. But we are not habituated with Atap rice. So, we do not want to eat it. But no way as rice price is much high in the market.

He, however, said Tk 30 is also much for Atap rice. The government should think again for us to decrease the price at a reasonable rate.

Every dealer under OMS is getting a ton of rice. A person is able to buy maximum 5 kgs at Tk 30 per kg.

 

risingbd/Dhaka/March 18, 2018/Nasir/A K Azad