55lakh families to get 30kg of rice at Tk15 per kg

The government has begun distributing subsidised rice under its Food Friendly Programme to strengthen food security for low-income households and help stabilise the market.

Under the programme, 55 lakh cardholders in 495 upazilas are receiving 30kg of rice per month at Tk15 per kg for six months – August to November and March to April, according to a PID handout issued today (3 August). 

To address malnutrition among low-income group people, particularly to improve the nutritional status of women and children, the government is currently distributing fortified rice to about 25.29 lakh beneficiaries in 248 upazilas under the programme.

Besides, regular rice is being distributed to 29.71 lakh beneficiaries in 247 upazilas.

Meanwhile, the government continues distributing rice and flour under the Open Market Sale (OMS) programme through 1,108 centres (shops and trucks) across the country.

The country's food stock remains satisfactory, the handout said. Food reserves are now at their highest level ever, while foodgrain procurement activities are continuing, it added.

As of 2 August, total food stocks stood at 23,49,385 tonnes, including 19,66,148 tonnes of rice, 2,80,010 tonnes of wheat and 1,52,109 tonnes of paddy.

However, rice prices remain high, mainly due to recent flooding, higher paddy production costs and increased supply chain expenses.

According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh's (TCB) market price data, as of Monday, coarse rice varieties such as China and Swarna were selling for Tk50-55 per kg in Dhaka, while medium-grade varieties such as Pajam and BR-28 were priced at Tk55-65 per kg. Fine rice varieties, including Nazirshail and Miniket, were selling for Tk70-85 per kg. 

PID said that the government remains committed to ensuring food security, reducing malnutrition and further strengthening social safety net programmes for public welfare.