Severe floods in Bangladesh have destroyed an estimated 1.1 million tons of rice, pushing the country to increase rice imports amid rising food prices.
Data from Bangladesh's Ministry of Agriculture reveals that the nation has been hit by two major waves of flooding in August and October, triggered by heavy monsoon rains and flash floods from upstream sources.
The floods have claimed the lives of at least 75 people and affected millions, particularly in the eastern and northern regions, where crop damage was most severe.
The ministry reports that these floods have caused significant losses in rice production, which is critical for the nation.
In response to the crisis, the government has quickly acted to import 500,000 tons of rice and is expected to allow the private sector to begin importing soon.
The interim government, which took office in August after protests forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India, is working to stabilize food prices, which have surged by 20% in recent months.
The floods have not only affected rice but have also severely impacted other agricultural products, including more than 200,000 tons of vegetables.
The total agricultural losses across the country are estimated at around 45 billion taka (about $380 million).
Bangladesh, the world's third-largest rice producer, typically produces about 40 million tons of rice annually to feed its population of 170 million. However, natural disasters like these floods often disrupt production, increasing the country's dependence on imports to meet domestic demand.