Agreements signed for importing 4.5 lakh tonnes as domestic producers fail to supply at govt-fixed rate.
Daily Sun Report, Dhaka

The interim government is planning to import seven lakh tonnes of rice, the highest in about seven years, to build its staple food reserves.

The government initially planned to fill its reserves by purchasing from local millers during the high-yielding Aman season. But, presently market rates are at least seven taka higher than the government rate, pushing policymakers to hold discussions with foreign governments for securing cheaper contracts.

Although deals have been signed for purchasing 5.6 lakh tonnes Aman rice domestically, only 3.23 lakh tonnes, less than a third of the targeted 10 lakh tonnes purchase, have been collected from local millers.

The collection would continue till February, afterwards the government would most likely have to increase imports to meet the target, said Md Maniruzzaman, a director at the Directorate General of Food.

Last year, no rice was imported, and inclement weather hit domestic supplies, necessitating huge imports this year.

Agreements have already been reached with Indian and Vietnamese governments for importing 4.5 lakh tonnes of rice. Some of the consignment has already reached the country. Decision on the rest of the imports will be based on Boro yields during April-May, said Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder.

Talks are also continuing with Myanmar and Pakistan for meeting the 10 lakh tonne state reserve target. Myanmar government has already agreed to export one lakh tonne-rice, talks have also been finalised with Myanmar’s open bidders for importing another 75 thousand tonnes. The Pakistan government is in talks to export 50 thousand tonnes to Bangladesh.

The government already has 8.51 lakh tonnes of rice in its reserve along with 3.36 lakh tonnes of wheat, as per the 16 January data.

Published Date: January 21, 2025