A section of traders and importers from private sectors have imported normal rice this year despite its increased local production, said Food Minister Abdur Razzak.
The minister made the statement at a press conference held at the PID conference room on Tuesday. The press meet was organised to showcase his ministry’s many achievements in the last five years.
He said: “The government did not import any rice from abroad in last two years as our farmers have produced a sizeable amount locally.
Moreover, the government gave incentives to farmers and reduced the price of fertiliser to increase local production,” he added.
However, he admitted that most of the farmers had lost interest in producing rice as they did not get suitable price in last two years.
He said: “Local production of rice was reduced suddenly as farmers had lost interest in being unable to get the expected price.”
But the minister expressed hope that farmers have once again started cultivating rice after its price had increased.
According to the Directorate General of Food, the traders and importers of the private sector have imported rice worth TK3.01b this year, which was only TK10m last year.
