India remains a key source due to lower import costs and affordable prices, says the food advisor.

Chattogram Bureau

The interim government will import 900,000 tonnes of rice this year from different countries, Food Advisor Ali Imam Mazumder has said.

After inspecting the unloading of imported food items at Chattogram Port on Tuesday afternoon, he told journalists that the rice will mainly be imported by the government.

Addressing queries about the source countries, Mazumder said: “We are importing from India and Myanmar, with a near-final deal with Pakistan. Negotiations with Vietnam are ongoing, and we are exploring other sources as well.”

On sourcing from India and Myanmar, he clarified: “We are keeping trade separate from politics. India, as our closest neighbour, offers lower import costs and affordable prices, making it a consistent source.”Mazumder also said Myanmar has expressed willingness to sell more rice, adding: “We have an agreement for 100,000 tonnes and are considering further imports based on their internal supply situation.”

He confirmed an arrangement with Pakistan for 50,000 metric tonnes of rice, saying that the deal is in its final stages.

Commenting on the domestic rice prices, Mazumder said: “Firstly, price hikes have stopped. Secondly, the price of coarse rice has decreased by Tk 2 to Tk 5. We will continue imports to prevent further increases and gradually lower prices.”

He acknowledged the decline in arable land due to population growth, industrialisation, and urbanisation, mentioning a trend in the north of converting land to ponds, which reduces paddy fields.

He stressed the need for balance, saying: “Ponds are necessary for fish, and mango orchards are needed, but we are striving to balance everything.”

On controlling commodity prices during Ramadan, the advisor said: “The food ministry oversees rice and wheat, while some items are managed by the commerce ministry through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, or TCB. We have begun selling two metric tonnes of rice daily in each Upazila and launched a food-friendly programme for 5 million people, providing 30kg of rice per month at Tk 15 per kg for the poor.”

Published Date: January 22, 2025