This was informed at the 8th meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food Ministry at Sangsad Bhaban yesterday.

The meeting was told that paddy production doubled this year compared to that of last year and the paddy and rice procurement drive was going on.

It discussed ways to ensure transparency in overall activities of the ministry and warned that stern action would be taken against those who would indulge in corruption and irregularities.

Members of the standing committee Food Minister Abdullah Al Noman, SA Khaleque, Azizur Rahman Chowdhury, Noor Mohammad Mondal, Abul Khair Bhuiyan and Maulana Abdul Khaleque Mondal attended the meeting. Committee chairman Alhaj Mosharraf Hossian Mongu presided.