Rice prices to ease soon, food stocks sufficient: Food Adviser

Rice prices are expected to come down to a tolerable level soon, as the country currently maintains adequate food reserves, said Ali Imam Majumdar, Food Adviser to the interim government.

He made the remarks on Saturday (July 5) following a meeting with officials from 10 districts of Khulna division at the Jashore Circuit House.

Highlighting a strong harvest season, the adviser stated that a record amount of food grains has been produced in the southern districts. Boro paddy production in Khulna division exceeded targets, and 72% of the government’s paddy and rice procurement has already been completed. "We expect to achieve 100% procurement within the scheduled time," he said.

Despite healthy production and stock levels, rice prices in the market have yet to decline. Majumdar assured that prices will stabilize soon. "If market manipulation or syndication is found, the government will take strict action to dismantle it," he added.

He acknowledged a procurement coordination issue, as the southern region produced a higher volume of narrow-grained rice. The government is reviewing the matter and will implement corrective measures in future procurement drives.

The meeting was chaired by Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Firoz Sarkar. Senior officials, including Director General of the Food Department Abul Hasanat Humayun Kabir and Deputy Commissioners and food regulators from all 10 districts, were present.