3.5m tonnes of food wasted annually in BD

Bangladesh wastes an estimated 3.5 million tonnes of food every year, raising concerns over food management and sustainability even as the government continues extensive efforts to strengthen national food security.

The figure, cited by State Minister for Food Abdul Bari in Parliament on Monday from the United Nations Environment Programme’s Food Waste Index Report 2024, underscores a significant challenge facing the country at a time when food affordability and supply remain key policy priorities.

Speaking in response to a question from a lawmaker, the minister acknowledged the scale of food waste but stressed that the government has been working to minimize losses across the food supply chain through modern storage facilities, improved logistics, and awareness initiatives.

While national food waste remains high, losses within government-managed food stocks have declined. According to official data, food grain wastage under government management fell to 18,887 tonnes in fiscal year 2024-25, accounting for just 0.28 percent of total stocks handled, compared with 21,330 tonnes or 0.316 percent in the previous fiscal year.

The reduction has been attributed to the construction of modern silos and warehouses and better handling practices among transporters and stakeholders involved in food distribution.

The disclosure comes as the government continues efforts to ensure stable food supplies.

Abdul Bari told Parliament that rice and flour markets remain stable, with retail rice prices averaging Tk 47.34 per kilogram and flour selling at Tk 42.01 per kilogram.

To strengthen food reserves, the government has also launched a programme to import 800,000 tonnes of wheat and 600,000 tonnes of rice during the current fiscal year.

Experts say the latest food waste estimate highlights the need for broader interventions beyond government storage systems, including reducing household waste, improving supply-chain efficiency, and strengthening post-harvest management to curb losses and improve food security outcomes.