In the wake of the unstable rice market, the government is all set to control the rice market by importing rice privately. To this end, the government has reduced the import duty on rice from 62.50 percent to 25 percent.
At the same time, four lakh metric tonnes of rice will be imported officially while 1.5 lakh metric tonnes through the government to government (G2G) system. Private organizations will also be allowed to import rice.
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder made these remarks while speaking at a virtual press conference on the government's steps to keep the rice market stable.
The food minister said, “We have decided to import rice privately to control the market. Earlier the duty was 62.5 percent, which has now been reduced to 25 percent. But at the same time, we must have to look after our farmers' interest”.
He said, “Legitimate importers would apply to the food ministry by January 10 along with all the documents required for importing rice privately. Later, the ministry will allow them to import rice after sorting through a policy”.
However, he mentioned that a certain amount of rice would be allowed to be imported in a controlled manner.
The minister also said, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave permission to reduce the import duty on rice. After checking the importers' applications, it will be decided what amount they will be able to import for a certain period”.
He added that four lakh metric tonnes of rice are already being imported through the open tender system and G2G system.
While replying to a question, Sadhan Chandra Majumder said, “The millers threatened not to give rice to the government warehouses if the price was not increased, but the government does not bow to anyone's threat. We did not push the millers to make a deal. Let them stay with their threats. We will buy more paddy from farmers. So that they are not harmed”.
“Our rice prices are jointly controlled by the Commerce, Agriculture, Finance and Food ministry. But there is no policy to keep the price at a reasonable level. Everything has a policy but it doesn't have. When the price of paddy goes down, we cry for the farmers. Even if the price of rice goes up again, consumers face uncertainties. So there has to be a standard rate here,” Sadhan Chandra Majumder added.
“In this regard, a meeting was held on December 23, where the officials of the Ministry of Commerce, Agriculture, Finance and Food were present. We have also formed a committee. They will work to make the policy,” Sadhan concluded.
Food Secretary Dr Moshammat Nazmanara Khanum was present on the occasion along with Director General of Food Department Sarwar Mahmud, Additional Director General Aziz Mollah, and senior officials of the Ministry of Food and Food Department and journalists.
