FROM PAGE B1

Imports of wheat, the second most consumed cereal grain after rice, soared 71 percent year-on-year to 66 lakh tonnes in FY24.

M Asaduzzman, a professorial fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies expressed doubt over the rice production estimate.

He questioned why prices have gone up if supply was indeed adequate.

“Production has not risen as much as reported. Higher prices mean there is a supply shortage,” he said, adding that rice accounts for a good portion of food inflation, which was high in the previous fiscal.

The BBS said food inflation rose to 10.65 percent in FY24 from 8.71 percent the year prior.

The price of rice coarse rice, the cheapest variety, was 7 percent higher year-on-year at Tk 50 to Tk 55 per kilogramme in Dhaka yesterday.

Asaduzzman informed that recurrent floods this year have raised concerns over the cultivation of Aman.

“We will have to import rice if Aman production suffers. And that will be clear at the beginning of November. So, the government should take a decision regarding imports next month,” he said.

By the end of August, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said Aus and Aman rice acreage and production in Bangladesh might decline because of the floods, particularly the devastating deluge in the eastern part of the country.

Estimates by the Department of Agricultural Extension show that Aman acreage declined to 57.35 lakh hectares this season from 35.5 lakh hectares previously.

Agricultural economist Alam said the overall Aman rice output may be 1.55 crore tonnes to 1.60 crore tonnes this year.

“Farmers had to transplant the seedlings late because of floods. This may cause lower yields,” he said while adding that imports might not be needed as stocks of the grains are favourable.

“But the next Boro rice crop is crucial,” he said. “We will not need to worry about food security of the staple grain if we can ensure production inputs, mainly fertiliser, at the doorsteps of farmers.”

Kabir said the ongoing flood in the Sherpur-Netrokona districts will damage the Aman crop in the fields and it cannot be recovered.

“So, whether we will need to import or not will depend on the next Aman harvest. And the output of the upcoming Boro would depend largely on the management of fertiliser by the government.”

“The interim government has to ensure proper management of fertiliser to ensure a good harvest of Boro rice,” he added.