Bangladesh Govt initiates rice imports to offset Aman crop shortfall
In response to significant Aman rice crop losses due to flooding, the Bangladeshi government has initiated rice imports to stabilize the market and secure food supply. Private importers can now bring in rice without taxes, and the government has lifted import duties to help manage shortages. Additionally, the government is stocking supplies to prevent food crises. The first shipment from India, consisting of 131 metric tonnes of rice, arrived recently, marking the resumption of imports after 20 months.
The government has initiated rice imports to secure the country’s food supply in response to significant losses in the Aman rice crop due to recent flooding.
New Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar confirmed the decision on Monday, announcing steps to counter crop losses and stabilise the market.
The adviser disclosed the decision while talking to reporters at the secretariat after joining office on Monday.
He said Aman crops suffered losses, prompting the government to take necessary measures. “I have been informed of the steps taken to tackle this issue. I believe we are on the right track,” he added.
The food adviser said in addition to private imports, the government also stocks food supplies to stabilise the market during shortages.
He noted that the government removed all taxes on rice imports by private companies and took further steps for timely shipments.
The ministry is actively working to prevent artificial food crises by injecting government stock into the market when necessary. “These efforts will continue and be strengthened.”
He expressed optimism for a secure harvest in the northern region, often referred to as the country’s “food basket.” “If we can safely harvest Aman rice from the north, there will be no food crisis.”
In response to questions about political pressures over national election, the adviser assured that the government maintains communication and dialogue with political parties, reiterating the Chief Adviser’s commitment to a stable environment for governance and food security.
On the other hand, three trucks carrying 131 metric tonnes of rice entered Bangladesh from India through the Hili land port on Monday, following the government lifting import duties on rice recently.
This marks the first rice consignment in the last 20 months after the government’s decision to remove the import duty.
Md Mostafizur Rahman, a Hili land port-based importer, said that the government lifted the duty on October 31 to stabilize rice prices and boost domestic stock.
Following this decision, importers quickly submitted the necessary documents to relevant ministries for rice import approval from India.
To date, five importers have received permission to bring in 33,000 metric tonnes of rice under Letters of Credit (LC) valued between USD 420 and USD 430 per tonne. According to Rahman, the import cost per kg is approximately Tk 53-54.
Lalit Keshra, owner of M/S Sairam International, noted that rice imports have commenced in alignment with government policy to help stabilize local prices.
Md Yusuf Ali, Deputy Assistant Officer at the Plant Quarantine Centre of Hili Land Port, said that rice imports had been suspended since March 30 of last year, when the government imposed a 62% import duty to discourage imports.
Source Link : https://bangladeshpost.net/posts/govt-initiates-rice-imports-to-offset-aman-crop-shortfall-149601
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