Bangladesh is the top importer of rice after China

Despite the Bangladesh government's long-standing demand for self-sufficiency in rice production, this year Bangladesh has risen to the top in rice imports worldwide. In the fiscal year 2020-21, Bangladesh has risen to the second position in rice import.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released this report in its report titled 'Food Grain: World Market and Trade'. It is said that in the 2020-2021 trade year, Bangladesh imported 26 lakhs 50 thousand tons of rice. According to the concerned persons, the trade year was calculated for 12 months before the publication of the report.

According to the USDA report, Bangladesh has now become a major importer. Although the import of Bangladesh is not continuous. This means that if the production is low in any year, Bangladesh imports rice.

Earlier in 2017, rice production in the country was reduced due to early floods in the haor area. The government has to import a huge amount of rice by lifting the tariff.

Meanwhile, the USDA's December 'Global Agricultural Production' report said that rice production in Bangladesh in 2021-2022 could be 7 lakh tons less than the previous year. Production can stand at 3 crores 55 lakh tons. Earlier last month, the USDA had said in a report on Bangladesh that paddy cultivation in the country has decreased in the Aush season this year. Production of Aman paddy has also declined this year due to the late onset of monsoon and low rainfall.

Concerned people say that Bangladesh has to continue importing due to low production. The price of rice in the market is still high. The government is not able to reduce the price even with the opportunity of import.

Along with rice, wheat imports are also increasing. According to USDA estimates, Bangladesh's wheat imports stood at 7.2 million tonnes in the 12 months to November. Which is four lakh tonnes more than the same period last year.