Food Friendly Program: 55 lakh cardholders can buy rice at Tk 15 per Kg

The Ministry of Food has started distributing rice under the Food Friendly Program from August 1 to ensure food security, stabilize market prices, and provide food assistance to low-income people during periods of employment hardship.

Under the program, 55 lakh cardholders across 495 upazilas will be able to buy rice at Tk 15 per kg for six months (August–November and March–April). According to a press release from the Ministry of Food, each cardholder can purchase a maximum of 30 kg of rice per month.

To combat malnutrition among the poor population, particularly improving the nutrition of women and children, the program is distributing fortified rice (nutrition rice) to approximately 25 lakh 29 thousand beneficiaries across 248 upazilas, while regular rice is being distributed to 29 lakh 71 thousand beneficiaries across 247 upazilas.

The press release also said that regular rice and flour distribution continues under the OMS (Open Market Sale) program through 1,108 centers (shops and trucks) across the country.

According to ministry data, as of August 2, the total food stock stood at 23 lakh 49 thousand 385 tons. This includes:

19 lakh 66 thousand 148 tons of rice, 2 lakh 80 thousand 10 tons of wheat, and 1 lakh 52 thousand 109 tons of rice converted from paddy.