United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh wastes around 3.5 million tonnes of food every year, State Minister for Food Abdul Bari told Parliament on Monday, citing the Food Waste Index Report 2024 of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Responding to a written question from lawmaker Md Abul Kalam of Cumilla-9, he said the estimate cited in the UNEP report reflects overall food waste in the country. Abdul Bari said the Ministry of Food has been working relentlessly to ensure the country's food security despite the reported level of food wastage. “Food grains are procured and stored in government warehouses and silos for distribution through various public programmes. During this entire management process, a certain amount of food grain is damaged or wasted. However, the extent of such losses is gradually being reduced through the construction of modern silos and warehouses, as well as increased awareness among transporters and other stakeholders,” he told the House. The state minister also presented comparative figures on food grain losses and wastage under government management over recent fiscal years. According to the data, total food grain losses or wastage under government management stood at 18,887.347 tonnes in fiscal year 2024-25, representing only 0.28 percent of total stocks handled. In the previous fiscal year, 2023-24, the amount was 21,329.88 tonnes, equivalent to 0.316 percent. The figures indicate a significant reduction in food grain losses and wastage in government storage facilities compared to the preceding fiscal year, he said. Abdul Bari further noted that, alongside ensuring food security and food safety, the government has been implementing various awareness-building programmes to prevent food loss and wastage. The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority is currently carrying out a range of initiatives aimed at reducing post-production losses and improving food management practices. Replying to a separate question from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami MP Masum Mustafa, the state minister said the rice and flour markets remain stable. He informed Parliament that the wholesale price of rice currently stands at Tk 44.95 per kg, while the retail price is Tk 47.34 per kg. Flour is selling at Tk 39.32 per kg at the wholesale market and at Tk 42.01 at the retail market. In response to a question from reserved seat MP Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Abdul Bari said the government has undertaken a programme to import 800,000 tonnes of wheat and 600,000 tonnes of rice during the current fiscal year (2025-26).