Rice import decision after reviewing situation: Minister

Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque on Sunday said that the government will review the overall situation, including the flood's impact on aush and aman paddy, before deciding to import rice.

"Currently, there's no fear of food shortage in the country," he said while speaking as the chief guest at an online seminar on "Food Security in Covid-19 Situation: Is Bangladesh Going to Face Rice Deficit?" organised by Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI).

Razzaque said the ongoing floods have caused a lot of damage to aush and aman paddy in many areas.

"A decision to import rice will be taken if the yield of aman is not good and the floods are prolonged," he said, assuring that all sorts of activities are underway in agriculture to deal with the damage caused by the ongoing floods.

Every effort has been made to increase production during the aman season. Besides, preparations are being taken to increase production of all crops in the Robi season so that food security is ensured while dealing with the adverse effects of coronavirus, Amphan, and ongoing floods, the minister said.