The government has decided to increase its strategic food grain reserve from the existing 1.3 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes during normal times and 1.5 million metric tonnes during emergencies and disasters to strengthen food security and meet growing demand.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee (FPMC) held at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Food.

The meeting was chaired by Home Minister and FPMC Chairman Salahuddin Ahmed.

The committee said the reserve was being expanded in response to the country's steadily increasing food grain demand, the need to strengthen food security, reduce poverty and expand social safety net programmes.

The meeting also approved the implementation of the government's Food-Friendly Programme for the 2026-27 fiscal year, under which 5.5 million poor and ultra-poor rural families will receive 30 kilograms of rice per month at 15 taka per kilogram for six months.

A total of 990,000 metric tonnes of rice will be distributed under the programme.

To improve nutrition and tackle malnutrition, fortified rice enriched with vitamins and minerals will also be distributed in 300 upazilas under the scheme.

The committee was informed that the government distributed an average of 3.232 million metric tonnes of food grains annually over the past five fiscal years, while distribution rose to 3.508 million metric tonnes in FY2025-26.

To ensure uninterrupted food storage and supply in remote hill districts during natural disasters, emergencies and transport disruptions, new food warehouses will be built in all three hill districts.

The meeting also decided to increase the country's overall food grain storage capacity by 3 million metric tonnes by 2030.

Members of the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee and senior officials concerned attended the meeting.