Dhaka: The government has embarked on an ambitious plan to produce over 4.41 crore tonnes of rice and wheat during the summer and winter seasons in the 2025-26 fiscal year. This initiative includes a comprehensive strategy to increase the production of various crops, including vegetables, maize, jute, pulses, and spices.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reported last week that under the rice production target, over 1.81 crore tonnes of Aman rice is expected to be produced on more than 59 lakh hectares across the country. The DAE’s report outlines production details, indicating that hybrid Aman will contribute around 17.50 lakh tonnes, high-yielding variety (HYV) 1.51 crore tonnes, local variety 9.75 lakh tonnes, and broadcast or deep water Aman around 3.30 lakh tonnes.
M Obaidur Rahman Mondol, director of the Field Service Wing (FSW) at DAE, stated that approximately 20 percent of the Aman harvest has been completed and the total harvest is expected to conclude by the first week of December. He expressed confidence in achieving the 100 percent production target.
The DAE report also highlighted the achievement in Aus rice production, with the country achieving 29.93 lakh tonnes against a target of 32.22 lakh tonnes, primarily from HYV varieties. For the Boro rice season, a target of 2.27 crore tonnes has been set, with significant contributions expected from hybrid and HYV varieties.
The country has also reported substantial production in other agricultural sectors. During the Kharif-1 season, nearly 71 lakh tonnes of vegetables and significant quantities of maize, sesame, peanuts, mung, green chili, and dry chili were produced. The Kharif-2 season also saw considerable production of vegetables, pulses, onions, and spices.
In the upcoming Rabi cropping season, the government has set targets for wheat, maize, sweet potatoes, various vegetables, and spices. Additionally, the country has produced 80.38 lakh bales of jute, with the Tosha variety leading the output due to its desirable fiber quality.
To ensure food security, the government plans to import an additional 5 lakh MT of rice and 4 lakh MT of wheat by December. Food Secretary Mohammad Masudul Hasan emphasized the importance of maintaining a buffer stock through both internal and external procurement. The government has also established government-to-government agreements with Myanmar, Vietnam, Pakistan, and the USA to facilitate rice and wheat imports.
Md Moniruzzaman, Director of the Procurement Division, noted that the procurement of paddy and rice has reached unprecedented levels, attributing this success to strategic planning for food security. The Ministry of Food reported an increase in food grain storage capacity to 23.88 lakh tonnes, with the completion of modern silos in several regions. The ministry is addressing the challenge of feeding approximately 18 crore people amid decreasing arable land by constructing additional silo warehouses.