A sudden drop in paddy and rice prices across several districts of the Rajshahi region has left farmers and traders in severe distress. Over the past month, paddy prices have fallen by Tk 200–400 per maund, while rice prices have dropped by Tk 2–6 per kilogram. Farmers are struggling to recover production costs, and mill owners and traders are facing losses. The situation has created instability in the agricultural and food sectors, raising fears of a prolonged crisis.

Local traders attribute the price fall to rising transport costs, reduced buyer turnout from other districts, and increased supply ahead of the new harvest. Farmers report selling paddy below production cost, while rice mill owners cite higher imports reducing demand for domestic rice. Agricultural economists point to an imbalance between supply and demand, driven by stockpiling and import pressure.

Experts warn that if the downturn continues, farmers may lose interest in rice cultivation, threatening future food production. The Rajshahi Rice Mill Owners’ Association has urged the government to set a minimum support price and strengthen market monitoring to stabilize prices.