Interestingly, the food directorate has started an import frenzy at a time when another government body-run nationwide survey found Bangladesh well poised with its home-grown rice availability. BRRI also cautioned against import during peak harvesting season, which in turn will have dampening effects on domestic rice price. Then question emerges — why the government needs to import rice? It says the government needs to expedite its rice procurement drive and buy paddy directly from the farmers. The government’s paddy and rice procurement drives have to be much more dynamic and farmers-friendly,” says BRRI, cautioning against importing rice during domestic rice growing season.

Source: Dhaka Tribune December 23, 2020 12:45 UTC