Government Food Stocks Stand at 1.77 Million Metric Tons: Food Minister

Bangladesh currently has 1.77 million metric tons of food grains in government storage facilities, Food Minister Md Abdul Bari informed Parliament.

Responding to a written question from ruling party lawmaker Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui of Tangail-7, the minister said that as of April 13, 2026, government warehouses hold 1.464 million metric tons of rice and 307,000 metric tons of wheat.

He said the current stock level in government warehouses is satisfactory. To increase reserves, the government is importing rice and wheat from abroad through government-to-government (G2G) arrangements and international open tenders. At the same time, the government collects rice and paddy domestically during the Boro and Aman seasons from contracted rice mills and farmers holding agricultural assistance cards at government-set prices.

The minister noted that in the current 2025–26 fiscal year, contracts have been signed to import 600,000 metric tons of rice — 500,000 metric tons through international tenders and 100,000 metric tons through G2G arrangements. So far, 357,000 metric tons of rice have arrived, while the remaining 243,000 metric tons are expected soon.

In addition, contracts were signed to import 710,000 metric tons of wheat — 50,000 metric tons through international tenders and 660,000 metric tons through G2G arrangements from the United States. Of this amount, 703,000 metric tons have already arrived in the country, while a shipment carrying about 60,000 metric tons of wheat is expected to reach Chattogram port by April 24.

The minister also said that during the upcoming domestic Boro procurement season (May to August), the government plans to procure 1.2 million metric tons of parboiled rice, 100,000 metric tons of non-parboiled rice, and 500,000 metric tons of paddy.

He added that in the next fiscal year (2026–27), rice and wheat will continue to be collected both from international sources and domestic markets based on national demand.