Govt approves proposal of importing 3.5 lakh tonnes of rice

A proposal of importing 3.5 lakh tonnes of rice from India, Thailand and Vietnam to increase food stock in the country has been approved.

Of the amount, 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice will be brought from India, 1.5 lakh tonnes from Thailand and the rest from Vietnam.

The rice will be imported though government arrangement.

The approval came at a meeting of Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal.

After the meeting held virtually, the finance minister told reporters that tenders take time. For that reason, the rice will be brought through government-level discussions.

Earlier on March 8, the country's food stock was 6.26 lakh tonnes, of which 5.28 lakh tonnes was rice. The rest was wheat. According to the food ministry, there should be total 10 lakh tonnes, which is safe as food stocks.