Dhaka: The government will procure three lakh metric tonnes of Aman rice at Tk 33 per kg from rice mill owners during this season, said Food Minister Quamrul Islam on Sunday.

This procurement drive will continue until March 15 beginning from December 1, said the Minister at a press briefing after a meeting at the Ministry.

Last year, the government procured two lakh tonnes of Aman rice at Tk 31 per kg and the production cost of per kg paddy was Tk 18.50 and rice Tk 28.50, said Quamrul.

This year the production cost of per kg Aman paddy is Tk 19 while rice Tk 29, he said.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and high officials concerned of the ministry attended the meeting.