Dhaka: The interim government of Bangladesh has approved the import of 50,000 tonnes of rice from India as part of efforts to bolster the country’s food reserves. The decision was approved by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed during a meeting of the government’s advisory committee on procurement at the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to The Daily Star.
The rice will be imported through SAEL Agri Commodities Ltd., India, at a cost of $471.6 per tonne. This follows an earlier decision by the government to import another 50,000 tonnes of rice from India through Pattabhi Agro Foods Private Limited, at a slightly higher price of $477 per tonne. Both transactions are aimed at addressing food security concerns and stabilizing the nation’s rice stock.
As of November 20, Bangladesh had a total of 12.36 lakh tonnes of food grains in stock, including 8.08 lakh tonnes of rice, according to data from the Food Ministry.
The government plans to import a total of 5 lakh tonnes of rice for the 2024-25 fiscal year through both government-to-government arrangements and open tenders. However, the import volume could increase if market prices rise.
Bangladesh has been making efforts to manage its food supplies amid rising global food prices and local production challenges. The rice imports from India are expected to help meet the demand and ensure a stable food supply for the country in the coming months.
