Apart from India, rice will be imported from Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and Pakistan as well.

Rice imports from several countries, including India, will help address a potential shortage, Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder said today (8 December).

“While domestic rice production usually reduces the need for imports, this year’s floods in the eastern region have damaged agricultural lands, leading to a projected shortfall in food production. Therefore, the government has decided to import rice to bridge the deficit,” he said during a visit to inspect the construction progress of a steel rice silo in Ashuganj of Brahmanbaria this afternoon.

The food adviser said the government is initially focusing on procuring food grains from the international market. Apart from India, rice will be imported from Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and Pakistan as well.

When questioned about the decision to import rice from India, he clarified, “We do not mix trade with politics. Purchasing rice from India is more cost-effective. Accordingly, approval has been granted to import 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice, which we expect to arrive soon.”

Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Didarul Alam along with officials from the local administration and Directorate General of Food accompanied the adviser during the visit.

As part of the Modern Food Grain Storage project, a steel rice silo is being built along the Meghna River in Ashuganj at a cost of Tk540 crore. 

This state-of-the-art facility will preserve rice for up to two years without compromising its nutritional value, making it the longest-lasting food grain storage in South Asia.

Published Date: December 8, 2024