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Under the government’s Food-Friendly Programme, around 5.5 million beneficiaries will be able to purchase 30 kilograms of rice per month at a subsidised price of Tk 15 per kilogram for six months, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Food on Monday.
The ministry said rice distribution under the programme began on August 1 as part of efforts to strengthen food security, stabilise market prices, and ensure food assistance for low-income people during periods of limited employment.
The programme covers 5.5 million cardholders across 495 upazilas. Beneficiaries will receive 30 kg of rice each month at Tk 15 per kg during six months of the year—August to November, and again in March and April.
To help combat malnutrition among poor communities, particularly women and children, the programme is currently distributing fortified rice to about 2.529 million beneficiaries in 248 upazilas.
Another 2.971 million beneficiaries in 247 upazilas are receiving regular rice.
In addition, rice and flour distribution under the Open Market Sale (OMS) programme is continuing nationwide through 1,108 sales centres and trucks.
The Ministry of Food said the country’s food stock remains at a highly satisfactory level, with reserves currently at their highest compared with previous years while procurement operations continue.
As of Saturday, the country’s total public food stock stood at 2.349 million tonnes, comprising 1.966 million tonnes of rice, 280,010 tonnes of wheat, and 152,109 tonnes of paddy (rice equivalent), the ministry said.
