Chattogram:Government food grain stock in Chattogram division has reached an unprecedented level of 512,763 metric tons, surpassing the actual storage capacity and marking the largest reserve in the country's history.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Food Department officials have attributed this record stockpile to the optimal use of existing storage facilities, increased imports, and sufficient local procurement. The division's total storage capacity is 479,087 metric tons, spread across three Central Storage Depots, 106 Local Storage Depots, and four modern silos, making the current stock about 33,675 metric tons over capacity.
G. M. Faruk Hossain Patwary, Regional Food Controller for Chattogram, emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring food security by building substantial emergency reserves from both domestic and international sources. This move aims to prepare for any emergency situations, such as natural disasters or lower harvests. The stock increase coincides with World Food Day, observed globally under the UN Food and Agriculture Organization's initiative.
Recently, Food Minister Afroza Khanam visited Chattogram to inspect the local food management and storage systems, including a modern silo under construction in Patenga, and the Central Storage Depots in Dewanhat and Halishahar. Officials highlighted Chattogram's crucial role in the government's food management strategy, as approximately 60 percent of imported rice is offloaded at Chittagong port, bolstering the region's capacity to build and distribute food grain stock.
The construction of a modern steel silo in Patenga, with a capacity of 114,000 metric tons, is nearing completion and is expected to further enhance the region's storage capacity once operational. Regional Food Controller Patwary noted the ongoing process of food grain storage and distribution, supported by continuous procurement of paddy and rice.
Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, mentioned that favorable weather and positive indicators have contributed to increased production. Meanwhile, S M Nazer Hossain from the Consumers Association of Bangladesh stressed the importance of maintaining food security, which he believes will benefit everyone if sustained by the government.