Rajshahi, Jan 16 (V7N) -  In a press conference held on Wednesday afternoon, Rajshahi Divisional Regional Food Controller Main Uddin announced a decrease in the prices of rice and flour in the market, attributing the reduction to the government’s proactive measures. According to Uddin, the price increase in rice, largely influenced by fluctuations in the international market, has been controlled through strategic government actions.

“To prevent a further rise in rice prices, all import duties have been waived, and rice is being imported through international tenders,” Main Uddin stated. The government has already contracted for the import of 4 lakh metric tons of rice, with 50,000 tons having arrived from India. The unloading process for these shipments has begun at Chittagong and Mongla ports. Additionally, imports from Pakistan and Vietnam are in progress, totaling 50,000 metric tons from Pakistan and 1 lakh metric tons from Vietnam.

As part of ongoing efforts to stabilize prices, rice and flour sales have been expanded in open markets (OMS) at the metropolitan and upazila levels, targeting low-income groups. As a result, the price of rice has dropped by Tk 1 per kg, and flour prices have decreased by Tk 3 per kg in just one week. The price of coarse rice in the Rajshahi market, which was Tk 49.52 per kg on January 9, has now reduced to Tk 48.52 per kg.

Main Uddin also revealed that Rajshahi division has been allocated 355,000 metric tons of rice for private import. So far, 14,929 metric tons of rice have been imported to the division, contributing to the increasing food grain stock in the country.

Regarding the Aman season, Main Uddin outlined the targets for rice collection in Rajshahi division for the 2024-2025 season: 1 lakh 11,263 metric tons of parboiled rice and 18,263 metric tons of Atap rice. As of January 15, a total of 55,337 metric tons of parboiled rice and 9,769 metric tons of Atap rice had been collected, with 61% of the target for parboiled rice and 75% of the target for Atap rice already met. Given the recent drop in prices, he expressed confidence that the remaining targets would be achieved.

The press conference was attended by senior officials from the Regional and District Food Controller’s offices, who were present to discuss the current stock and pricing of rice and flour in the region.

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