Chittagong, Dec 25 (V7N)— The vessel MV Tanais Dream has arrived at Chittagong Port carrying approximately 25,000 metric tons of rice from India under a government initiative aimed at bolstering the country's food security and stabilising rice prices.

The Bilais City-flagged ship docked at Jetty No. 11 on Thursday morning after departing from Kakinada Port in Andhra Pradesh, India, on December 22. Officials from the Food Ministry stated that this shipment is part of a larger government-to-government (G2G) agreement with India, under which 50,000 metric tons of rice will be imported in phases.

Joint Secretary of the Food Ministry, Lutfar Rahman, noted, "This shipment will play a significant role in increasing domestic reserves and stabilising rice prices in the market. The remaining 25,000 metric tons of rice from this agreement will arrive within the next 10 to 12 days."

The shipment's arrival comes at a crucial time as rising rice prices have posed challenges to food affordability. Officials are optimistic that the increased supply will help reduce market prices. The government is also exploring similar agreements with Myanmar, Vietnam, and Pakistan to diversify and strengthen the country’s rice reserves.

Ali Akbar, a representative of Seven Seas Shipping Lines, confirmed that unloading operations have begun. "Around 3,000 metric tons of rice will be unloaded daily after physical inspections. This process is expected to take eight to ten days," he explained.

The government’s initiative reflects its commitment to ensuring food security and affordability amidst market fluctuations.

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