Govt mulling rice export to benefit farmers: Minister

The government is considering an option to export rice to benefit the farmers, Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque said today.

"We're in talks with the food and commerce ministries about it. A decision will be taken within 15-20 days after high-level discussions," he told reporters at the Secretariat.

Only the surplus rice will be exported, the minister said.

"Rice export won't affect the market. Last year, we produced 1.3 million tonnes more than our target," he said, replying to a question.

"Overall, we have about 2 to 2.5 million tonnes of surplus rice each year."