The government is set to re-launch a programme in March, under which the ultra-poor people will get rice at Tk 10 per kilogramme (kg).
The move comes after suspension of the programme during the period of September to November last year due to shortage of rice, officials said.
Earlier in 2016 the government introduced the five-month "food friendly programme", dividing it into two phases (September to November and March to April) for providing rice to the ultra-poor at a nominal price for ensuring their food security.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the programme in September that year.
The ultra-poor cardholders will get 30 kgs rice every month during the progrmme through village ration dealers at Tk 10 per kg.
"We are set to re-launch the food-friendly programme from March next to provide rice to the ultra-poor at Tk 10 per kg," said Kazi Nurul Islam, director (supply, distribution and marketing) of the Directorate General of Food under the Ministry of Food.
He also hinted that the second phase of the progrmme from March to April might be extended until May as it remained suspended during the period from September to November last.
"There will be a meeting of the food planning and monitoring council shortly. The meeting will decide on extension of the programme from March to May," he told the FE.
He said the country now has sufficient food stocks. Over 800,000 tonnes of rice and 400,000 tonnes of wheat are now stored in government silos.
The food official said under the programme the government needs to distribute 150,000 tonnes of rice each month among the ultra-poor.
The poor families living below the poverty level have been selected through local public representatives for the programme, according to the food ministry.
Poor women, widows and women with physical disabilities are benefiting most from the programme.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
