B'desh fixes min export price of maize at 600 per met ton

Dhaka, Aug 5 (UNI) The Bangladesh caretaker government has fixed minimum export price of maize at 600 dollars per metric ton to maintain a stable price in domestic market.

The decision was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting.

''We have fixed the export price at 600 dollar per metric ton after reviewing the local requirements and demands,'' Manik Lal Samaddar, a special assistant for the interim caretaker government said.

He said maize is an important raw material for the poultry industry and the decision has been taken to maintain the prices of eggs and chickens at tolerable level.

''We have also decided to have a close look at the price of maize in local market and concerned businessmen assured us that its price will not be below Tk 13 per kilogram,'' Mr Samaddar said.

He, however, assured that the government will closely monitor the local market and the minimum price restriction will be withdrawn if maize price at local market falls below Tk 13.

As per available official data, the country now produces 21.67 lakh metric tons of maize annually against estimated demand of 30 lakh tons.

The price of maize suddenly went up couple of months ago as some organisations and individuals resorted to export maize.

Maize currently is sold at Tk 12/13 per kg compared to Tk 11 last year and Tk 9 in 2006, official sources said.

On May 12 this year, Fisheries and Livestock Ministry requested the Agriculture Ministry to impose a ban on export of maize as the price of this important component for poultry industry was shooting up.

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