Govt allows import of 83,000 tons rice by 30 private companies

The government has asked the private sector to import 83,000 tons of rice immediately, aiming to further arrest the rice price hike in the retail market across the country, according to an official order issued by the Ministry of Food on Thursday.

A total of 30 rice importers have already gotten government approval to import the amount of rice, which includes 49,000 tons of boiled rice and 34,000 tons of non-boiled atap rice.

“We have approved a total of 30 private sector companies to import 49,000 tons of boiled and 34,000 tons of non-boiled atap rice, aiming to further arrest the rice price hike in the retail market," said M Habibur Rahman Hosaini, Additional Secretary (Procurement and Supply) of the Food Ministry.

The order was issued on Thursday with a view to covering the gap before the upcoming boro harvest, which is likely to require a maximum one month, said the official.

The private importers have to market this amount of rice by April 25, according to the official order.

The importing companies have to sell the rice in sacks directly to the market instead of repackaging these goods. 

The public sector's accumulated food storage stood at 14,69,278 tons as of Thursday, comprising 11,99,715 tons of rice, 2,62,330 tons of wheat, and the remaining 10,884 tons of paddy.

Source: BSS