Govt considers exporting 5 to 10 lakh tons rice
The government has a plan to export 5 to 10 lakh metric tons of rice as there is surplus of rice after meeting the local demand. But it is not a final decision.
Agriculture Minister Dr. Abdur Razzak said these at a press briefing over the damage created to the crops by cyclone Fani at the secretariat in the capital on Tuesday.
He said, due to the cyclone Fani boro paddy, maize, jute and betel leaf crops worth 63 thousand 63 hectors were partially affected in 209 upazilas under 35 districts. Of the affected croplands boro paddy 55 thousand 609 hectors, vegetables 3 thousand 660 hectors, maize 677 hectors, jute 2 thousand 382 hectors and betel leaf 735 hectors.
The Agriculture Minister said, the damage of Fani will not create any effect to the market. Decision was not taken yet about exporting rice, but decision will be taken after ensuring demand of food in this regard.
He said, after 15-20 days of harvesting the boro paddy decision will be taken discussing with others whether we can export 5-10 lakh metric tons of rice or not. No problem will be created if we export this rice. We can enter into the international market and country’s image will develop.
But the minister did not disclose how much rice will be surplus in the country in this period.
In this year the government is buying 10 lakh metric tons of boiled rice at the rate of 36 taka per kg.
Besides, from April 25 to August the government is going to buy 1.5 lakh metric tons of fine rice at 35 taka per kg, boro paddy worth 1.5 lakh metric tons at 26 taka per kg and 50 thousand metric tons of wheat at the rate of 28 taka per kg.
AH
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