We are keeping trade and politics separate: Food adviser on rice import

Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder has said that import costs are relatively lower due to the proximity of neighboring countries such as India, Myanmar, and Pakistan.

"Therefore, we welcome neighboring countries interested in exporting rice to us. We are keeping trade and politics separate," he said today after inspecting the overall progress of the under-construction Patenga Silo in Chattogram and the activities related to unloading goods at the port.

The food adviser further stated that the government has set a target to import approximately 8 to 9 lakh tonnes of rice from various countries this year. A significant amount of rice has already arrived, and the import process is ongoing with several countries. 

He expressed hope that rice prices would gradually decrease.

Despite the continued import of rice from various countries, the price of rice in the local market is not decreasing. In response to this question, Ali Imam Majumder said, "It is not true The price of coarse rice in the country has decreased by almost Tk5."

Regarding the question of whether the ongoing wars and political instability in various countries, which are posing a threat to international trade, will have any impact on the prices of essential goods during the upcoming Ramadan, Ali Imam Majumder further stated, "The Ministries of Commerce and Food are well-prepared to address this challenge. 

Under the food ministry's food-friendly programme, approximately 50 lakh low-income individuals in the country will be provided with 30 kilogrammes of rice per month. The price of rice has been set at Tk15 per kilogram, he added. 

He also hoped that the prices of essential goods will remain at a tolerable level during Ramadan.

He said, "This year's Aman season experienced unexpected floods, which have significantly disrupted food production. To address this challenge, we are prioritising efforts to boost domestic crop production. As part of this initiative, we have sustained various research programmes under the guidance of government authorities."

The adviser stated, "The construction of a silo with a storage capacity of approximately 114,000 tonnes is currently underway in Patenga and is expected to be completed by next June. Upon completion, this silo will significantly enhance the food storage capacity in Chattogram."