Rice price to fall further, says Food Minister

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UNB, Dhaka :
Food Minister Qamrul Islam on Wednesday assured the consumers that the price of rice would decrease further.
“Comparing to the neighbouring countries, rice prices are not higher in Bangladesh and the price of rice is currently decreasing. We have started
importing rice and the price will decrease further,” the minister said. He was speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of concurrent three exhibitions on food and agriculture, organised by CEMS Global – Conference and Exhibition Management Services Ltd. in the Seminar Hall of International Convention Centre Bashundhara (ICCB). The three events are- ‘3rd Food & Agro Bangladesh International Expo 2018’, ‘3rd Agro Chem Bangladesh Expo 2018’ and ‘3rd International Poultry & Livestock Expo 2018’.
Qamrul Islam said the United Nations World Food and Agriculture Organization had published a report on the situation of global food security. The organization had also identified the consistency of Bangladesh’s progress in achieving food security for long periods, which is an example for the world.
He said “Currently the farmers are getting electricity, fertilizer, water whatever are needed to work in the field. The government has done whatever it needs to do for the farmers. The country is now self-sufficient in food production.” Stressing on maintaining the rice price in a standard level, the minister said, “Rice is the staple in the country. And the farmers make their living through this rice. If they do not get the price of rice properly they will turn away from rice production.” Chairman of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque, Director-General of Rural Development Academy (RDA, BOGRA) M. A. Matin, CEO of CEMS Global USA and Asia Pacific Shahid Sarwar were present among others. A huge number of agents, distributors, importers, trading companies, wholesalers, retailers, hotels, business representatives, the consumers and other bulk purchaser assembled. Around 130 exhibitors from nine countries namely Thailand, Indonesia, USA, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, China, Russia and Vietnam are showcasing their products and services.
Concurrently, CEMS Global and BSAFE Foundation will jointly organise a concurrent seminar titled ‘FoodCon Bangladesh 2018’on Thursday. A discussion will be held on the topic ‘Safe Food and Clean Environment through Sustainable Agriculture’. The show will remain open for traders and public visitors from10.30 am to 8.30pmevery day from untilMarch 24.
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