Country's food stock increased by 148,484 MT in six months

The country's food grain stock has increased by 148,484 metric tonnes during the first six months of the present government.

According to the food ministry officials, the country's current food stock is 23,59,154 metric tonnes, which was 22,10,670 metric tonnes on 10 February last.

The country's food grain stock capacity was previously around Tk24 lakh metric tonnes. But under a special initiative by the BNP government, plans are in place to raise the capacity to Tk34 lakh metric tonnes within the next five years. The food storage capacity has already been increased to Tk27 lakh metric tonnes.

In addition to increasing storage capacity, the government has taken steps to raise the safe food stock limit, officials said.

Previously, a stock of Tk13.5 lakh metric tonnes was considered the safe limit. However, the incumbent government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has revised this benchmark, setting the safe limit at Tk16 lakh metric tonnes.

Officials said there are currently no concerns regarding the food situation in the country, thanks to the government's food-friendly policies.

According to the latest data from the office of the Directorate General of Food, government food grain stockpiles are currently at a satisfactory level. The total stock comprises 20,36,102 metric tonnes of rice, 2,32,183 metric tonnes of wheat, and 34,070 metric tonnes of paddy.

The total government food grain stock, including floating stock (grain currently in transit or being processed), stands at 23,59,154 metric tonnes. This total includes 68,723 metric tonnes of wheat as floating stock.

The upward trend in food grain stocks was more evident compared to the tenure of the fallen Awami League government, officials said.

Stakeholders said adequate food stocks will play a crucial role in maintaining normal market supply, stabilising prices, and addressing any emergency situations.

Meanwhile, significant progress has been made in the ongoing Boro procurement drive. For the fiscal year 2025-26, a total of 16,83,195 metric tonnes of food grains (paddy and rice) had been procured by 9 September, 2026.

Of those, 5,78,140 metric tonnes were paddy, while 12,01,568 metric tonnes were boiled rice, and 1,05,313 metric tonnes were sun-dried rice (Atap). In addition, 523 metric tonnes of wheat were procured.

Import activities are also underway to address potential food grain shortages and strengthen stock levels.

From 1 July to 9 September, 2026, a total of 8,27,700 tonnes of food grains were imported through both public and private channels. Of this, 65,860 metric tonnes were imported by the government while 7,61,840 tonnes were imported by the private sector.

Food ministry officials said the government is working with an integrated plan covering production, procurement, importation, and stockpiling to ensure the country's food security. Stock levels are being monitored regularly to ensure an adequate food supply for the population, they said, adding that the country's present food security system currently remains in a strong position.

However, taking into account factors such as population growth and food consumption patterns, the government has initiated measures to increase the safe food reserve target to 16 lakh tonnes.

Mohammad Kamrul Islam Chowdhury, Joint Secretary (procurement wing) of the ministry, told BSS that the domestic food grain procurement drive for the current season is being implemented successfully.

He said the government warehouses currently hold adequate and secure stocks of rice and wheat. The reserve will serve as a strong foundation for handling any situation and ensuring national food security.

Director General of the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) Mahbubur Rahman said the government is continuously working to adjust food grain stocks and storage capacity with increasing national demand.

He said there was adequate rainfall this season, ushering hope of achieving the desired targets for the Aman harvest. The government expects to surpass the Aman procurement target.

Mahbubur mentioned that wheat prices in the international market are steadily rising, which could increase import costs. However, he said, the government has contingency plans- such as distributing rice instead of wheat under the 'Food-Friendly Programme'. Given the current situation, there is no possibility of a food crisis, he said.