June 6, 2011

Bangladesh 2010/11 grain import to attain record amount

Bangladesh's imports of wheat and rice are going to hit a record 5.5 million tonnes in the year to June, in contrast to three million tonnes last year, according to a senior food official on Friday (Jun 3).

The previous highest import of grains was in 1998/99 when Bangladesh bought 5.4 million tonnes following a devastating flood that destroyed crops in the field.

Around 5.2 million tonnes of grain have been imported so far in the 2010/11 fiscal year and 300,000 more tonnes are on the way, the official said.

The private sector bought 2.9 million tonnes of wheat.

The government will import 700,000-800,000 tonnes of rice and one million tonnes of wheat in the coming fiscal year, beginning in July.

"This is a tentative target. The figures may change depending on the food situation," the official said.

The country has 750,000 tonnes of wheat and rice in reserves.