Dhaka: The BNP government in Bangladesh has set an ambitious target to enhance the country's food grain storage capacity to 34 lakh metric tons, despite currently holding a substantial official reserve of food grains. Bangladesh's food grain stock reached 23,74,763 metric tons, including floating reserves, as of July 23, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Food.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the current stock surpasses the country's standard safe food reserve threshold of 13,50,000 metric tons by approximately 10,24,000 metric tons, indicating a robust food security system. In response to this, the BNP government has decided to expand the overall food storage capacity across public warehouses to 34 lakh metric tons over the next five years, with the Ministry of Food initiating steps to achieve this target.
An updated report from the Directorate General of Food reveals that public granaries currently store 19,60,746 metric tons of rice and 2,95,689 metric tons of wheat. Additionally, there are 1,68,605 metric tons of paddy in stock, converted into the total rice inventory, while floating reserves of rice stand at 8,735 metric tons.
Under the ongoing domestic Boro procurement drive for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, 13,65,431 metric tons of paddy and rice have been collected till July 23. This includes 4,59,498 metric tons of paddy, 9,89,420 metric tons of parboiled rice, and 76,814 metric tons of sun-dried (Atap) rice. Additionally, 523 metric tons of wheat were procured during this period.
In the first 23 days of the current 2026-27 fiscal year, a total of 3,20,800 metric tons of food grains were imported into the country. Public sector imports amounted to 11,65,000 metric tons, consisting of 7,83,000 metric tons of rice and 3,82,000 metric tons of wheat. Private sector imports totaled 3,09,150 metric tons, including 2,94,000 metric tons of rice and 15,150 metric tons of wheat. Notably, no imports were required under food assistance during this period.
Offices under the Ministry of Food report that food grain reserves and procurement operations are being closely monitored to maintain market supply, stabilize prices, and ensure smooth public distribution. Mohammad Kamrul Islam Chowdhury, Joint Secretary of the Procurement Branch of the Ministry of Food, expressed satisfaction with the current procurement drive, attributing its success to the cooperation of farmers and stakeholders.
Firoz Al Mahmud, Research Director of the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU), emphasized the government's continuous efforts to align reserves and storage capacity with national demand. Md. Jamal Hossain, Additional Director General of the Directorate General of Food, noted that the food security situation is extremely satisfactory due to adequate grain stocks and a focus on proper storage and quality preservation.
The BNP government is working towards meeting its manifesto target of expanding food grain reservation capacity to 34 lakh metric tons within the next five years. Additionally, the safe food reserve target has been upgraded to 16 lakh metric tons to accommodate population growth and expanded social safety net programs.