Won't mix trade with politics, will purchase cost-effective rice from India: Food adviser

Rice imports from several countries, including India, will help address a potential food shortage caused by floods, said Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder 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.

The food adviser further said 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.

The steel rice silo is being built along the Meghna River in Ashuganj at a cost of Tk540 crore, as part of the Modern Food Grain Storage project. The facility will preserve rice for up to two years without compromising its nutritional value.