Starting August 1, the Ministry of Food in Bangladesh has begun distributing rice to 55 lakh beneficiaries under the Food-Friendly Programme, ensuring food security and supporting low-income households. Each beneficiary will receive 30 kg of rice per month at a subsidized rate of Taka 15 per kg for six months. The programme targets six months from August to November and from March to April.
To combat malnutrition, fortified rice is being distributed to 25.29 lakh beneficiaries in 248 upazilas, while plain rice is provided to 29.71 lakh beneficiaries in 247 upazilas. This initiative comes at a crucial time to support the nutritional needs of women and children, especially during the lean period.
The government has a substantial food stock, with 23,49,385 metric tonnes as of August 2, including 19,66,148 tonnes of rice, 2,80,010 tonnes of wheat, and 1,52,109 tonnes of paddy. This stock, the highest on record, supports ongoing procurement activities and ensures continuous distribution through 1,108 centers under the Open Market Sale (OMS) programme.
This rice distribution is part of a broader effort to ensure food security and reduce malnutrition, with a commitment to making social protection programmes more effective. The government's proactive measures are crucial for maintaining market price stability and supporting vulnerable populations.
By providing subsidized rice and fortified food, the government aims to mitigate the impact of inflation and support the economic stability of low-income families, reinforcing its dedication to social welfare and economic resilience in Bangladesh.
