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Wednesday, February 20, 2008

[ALOCHONA] Uncertainty looms large over govt import of rice from India

Uncertainty looms large over govt import of rice from India
 
 
They said the Indian central government is bargaining to squeeze out a price much higher than fixed earlier by the state government of West BengalUncertainty looms large over import of 5 lakh tonnes of rice from India as New Delhi seeks a price much higher than the West Bengal government offered earlier, reports UNB.The consignment was stipulated to be supplied within 75 days but no deal has yet been signed, officials said.
 
They said the Indian central government is bargaining to squeeze out a price much higher than fixed earlier by the state government of West Bengal from where the rice will be supplied. West Bengal government has agreed to export 50,000 tonnes of rice to Bangladesh at an average price of US$ 399 per tonne.
 
The cabinet committee on purchase last week approved import of five lakh tonnes from India at that price. It was hoped the consignment would be delivered within 75 days. But now New Delhi upped the export price to 505 dollars per tonne when the rice price in the international market is 386 dollars."If we want to import from India, we have to pay a higher price and the consignment may be delayed," said a senior official involved in the import of food grains.
A delegation led by director general of food department Wahiduzzaman is currently visiting New Delhi to finalize the purchase deal. In view of the situation, a high level meeting was held at the Food Ministry to review the over all food situation in the country and supply of fertilizers.
 
After the meeting Food Advisor Dr. M Shawkat Ali indicated that import price might be little bit higher than planned earlier."Indian rice will cost Tk 28 to 29kg if imported at US$ 505 per tonne," he said.He confirmed availability of 50,000 tons, out of 5 lakh tons committed by Indian. Bangladesh team now in New Delhi is negotiating with trading corporations of Indian States.The Adviser said they were also considering rice import from Myanmar and other neighbouring countries.He said the demand for fertilizer may go up in April in peak boro season. They are planning to raise the stock by additional 50 to 75 thousand tonnes to meet the requirement.
 

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