13,528 tonnes of rice imported from India thru Benapole

Bangla Press Desk:   A total of 13,528 metric tonnes of coarse rice have been imported from India through the Benapole land port in four months.

The shipments arrived in 395 trucks from August 21 to 18 November.

As the government allowed imports of rice through various land ports in a bid to help stabilise the domestic rice market, imports through Benapole from India resumed on 21 August after a four-month break.

According to port sources, some 1,260 metric tonnes of rice were imported in August, 5,435 tonnes in September, 5,188 tonnes in October and 1,645 tonnes in November.

Five C&F agents are handling the clearance of these consignments.

Babulur Rahman, a representative of C&F agent M/s Bhuiya Enterprise, said they have been working with the Customs House on rice clearance since the imports began.

Aminul Haque, vice president of the Benapole Importers and Exporters Association, said since rice imports through Benapole resumed on 21 August both wholesale and retail prices have fallen slightly.

The prices will drop further if imports continue, he said.

Shyamal Kumar Nath, deputy assistant officer at the Plant Quarantine Centre of Benapole Port, stated that 13,528 tonnes of coarse rice have entered the port in 145 consignments via 395 trucks.

Arrangements have been made to ensure quick unloading of the imported rice, he said.

BP/SP