To stabilize the local commodity market, the government has launched Sylhet’s first-ever Farmers’ Market to eliminate middlemen and ensure fair pricing for both producers and consumers.

The initiative was officially inaugurated on Saturday morning near the city's Tilagorh Point by the Minister for Commerce, Industries, Textiles, and Jute, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir.

Organized jointly by the Sylhet District Administration and the Department of Agricultural Extension, the market operates under the slogan: "Safe and Fresh Products Directly From Farmers."

Speaking as the chief guest, Minister Muktadir highlighted the systemic issues within the current supply chain. "Agricultural products often change hands four to five times before reaching consumers, leading to unjustified price hikes," he noted.

He emphasized that by allowing marginal farmers to sell directly to the public, the government aims to create a "win-win situation" that provides safe food at affordable rates while securing a better profit margin for the growers.

The Minister detailed that these markets will be held on designated days each week at fixed locations under the strict supervision of district and upazila administrations to prevent extortion or hidden costs.

Furthermore, he revealed that the government is modernizing the supply chain through an integrated digital system to detect market irregularities quickly.

To further ensure market stability, the Minister announced that the operations of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) would be strengthened through increased imports.

He also underscored the importance of expanding irrigation facilities and re-excavating canals to boost overall agricultural production.

The inaugural program was chaired by Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam, with Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi and other senior officials in attendance.

With Inputs from UNB