The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE prices of basic foods, rice and flour, are now at an unusually high level which is considered unprecedented. Specially the price of rice is skyrocketing and is considered to be the highest so far in the memory of people. The frantic lengthening queues before BDR-run shops by worried people where rice is sold at relatively low prices compared to the ones in the regular markets, are indicative of the growing food crisis. The crisis is fed by apprehensions that stocks of rice with the government are low and have not been replenished with urgent buying or import activities.

Under-production of rice in the country due to floods and the Sidr storm in quick succession, have drastically reduced its availability. The major Aman rice crop perished in many parts of the country as a consequence of the natural disasters. Till the next rice crops are raised or the supply position is kept smooth through imports, rice prices can hardly come down or stabilise. But the government has not been speedy enough with the carrying out of import activities with the seriousness the same deserved. Thus, this foot dragging on the part of the government while actual stocks with the government depleted, helped speculators in the rice markets to hike the prices. Even the latest statement of an Adviser that he does not know what to do about the price situation of rice, has encouraged free play by the price manipulators on a perceived notion of the government's helplessness on this score

The two countrywide floods and the Sidr storm, have led to also drastic reduction of purchasing power among large sections of people. Even people who have not been hit much by the natural calamities, are hardly able to buy rice at their current very high prices. But rice is basic to survival of these people and if its price continues to escalate, then many of them would be simply unable to buy the same. Thus, cases of starvation cannot be dismissed unless steps are taken right now. To prevent this from happening, government will have to take quick steps to supply foodgrains from its stocks at much subsidised prices to the vulnerable ones. But it should also waste no time in quickly building up the stocks to adequate levels by finalising deals for the import of rice. The process of the sale of such subsidised rice and wheat must be an incorruptible one from drawing up the list of beneficiaries down to the actual distribution to them. It would also be necessary to provide for a period foodgrains free to a large number of very distressed people in this especially difficult year. This distribution also will have to be absolutely free from irregularities and corruption. Food aid from donors should be requested with a voice of urgency and arrangements made to build up a neatly flowing aid pipeline of foodgrains.