Dhaka – The government is apprehending at least 15 lakh tonnes of rice production shortfall due to damage of Boro crops caused by floods in haor region other areas of the country this year.
Meanwhile, the government has included 50,000 fishermen in the Vulnerable Group Feeding programmes in haor districts.“At least 15 lakh tonnes of rice are imported in the country by private sector if there is no tariff. The importers has to give 25% tariff for importing rice. Rice importers have demanded to withdraw the tariff and their demand will be considered timely,” food minister Qamrul Islam told reporters at Khaydda Bhaban yesterday.
When asked about shortage of rice production due to flood, the minister replied, “we are apprehending for shortage of at least 15 lakh tonnes of rice production this year due to flashfloods. But it won’t be problem. The shortage will be met through importing rice by the public sector.”
However, an inter-ministerial meeting was also held at the disaster and relief ministry with minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya in the chair.
“We have included 50,000 fishermen under our VGF programmes in haor districts. A total of 3,80,000 families will get rice 30 kg and Tk 500 cash per month till July,” the minister told reporters after the meeting.
According to minister, about 8.50 lakh families in Sunamganj, Sylhet, Netrokona, Kishoreganj, Habiganj and Moulvibazar have directly affected due to on rush waters down from the hilly areas in haors.
“Boro crops of 2,49,860 hecatres have totally been damaged in this haor areas. Besides, 18,205 homes are also affected,” Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya said in reply to a query.
The farmers have lost of 6,23,379 tonnes of Boro crops in haor areas due to flash floods, he added.
“If any body try to malpractice in the distribution of relief materials in haor areas—stern action will be taken against them,” the minister warned while responding to a question.
The minister also requested the NGOs to suspend their installments against previous loans for one year considering the misery of the haor people.
He also urged the NGOs to distribute fresh loans among the affected people without interest. – Staff Reporter
