A total of 13,528 metric tonnes of coarse rice have been imported from India through the Benapole land port in four months.

The shipments arrived in 395 trucks  from August 21 to November 18.

As the government allowed import rice through various land ports in a bid to help stabilise the domestic rice market import through Benapole from India resumed on August 21 after a 4-month break.

According to port sources, some 1,260 metric tonnes of rice were imported in August, 5,435 tonnes in September, 5,188 tonnes in October and 1,645 tonnes in November.

Five C&F agents are handling the clearance of these consignments.Babulur Rahman, a representative of C&F agent M/s Bhuiya Enterprise, said they have been working with the Customs House on rice clearance since the imports began.

Aminul Haque, vice president of the Benapole Importers and Exporters Association, said since rice imports through Benapole resumed on August 21 both wholesale and retail prices have fallen slightly.

The prices will drop further if imports continue, he said.

Shyamal Kumar Nath, deputy assistant officer at the plant quarantine centre of Benapole port, said that 13,528 tonnes of coarse rice have entered through the port in 145 consignments by 395 trucks.

Arrangements have been made to ensure quick unloading of the imported rice, he said.