Floods, caused by heavy monsoon rains and torrential torrents from headwaters, swept the country in two major waves in August and October, killing at least 75 people and affecting millions of people, especially in the eastern and northern regions where damage to crops was most severe.
The Ministry of Agriculture stated that the floods that the country witnessed this year led to a significant loss in rice production.
An official in the Ministry of Food said that the government dealt with this crisis by moving quickly to import 500,000 tons of food riceIt is expected to allow the private sector to import soon.
The interim government is making efforts to stabilize food prices, which have risen by about 20 percent over the past few months. This government took power in August after protests during which deaths forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India.
The floods also severely affected other agricultural products, including more than 200,000 tons of vegetables. Total agricultural losses nationwide due to floods are estimated at about 45 billion taka ($380 million).
Bangladesh, the world’s third largest rice producer, produces nearly 40 million tons of rice annually to feed its population of 170 million people. But natural disasters often disrupt production and increase dependence on imports.