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Floods destroy 1.1 million tons of rice in Bangladesh

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By Ruma Paul

DHAKA (Reuters) – Floods in Bangladesh have destroyed an estimated 1.1 million metric tons of rice, according to data from the agriculture ministry, prompting the country to ramp up imports of the staple grain amid soaring food prices.

Floods brought by heavy monsoon rains and torrential upstream runoff struck the country in two major waves in August and October, claiming at least 75 lives and affecting millions, particularly in the eastern and northern regions where crop damage has been the most severe.

FILE PHOTO: People move on a tractor through a flooded street amid severe flooding in Feni, Bangladesh, on August 25, 2024. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain/File Photo
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The agriculture ministry said this year’s flooding has resulted in a substantial loss of rice production. In response, the government is moving quickly to import 500,000 tons of rice and is expected to permit private sector imports soon, a food ministry official said.

The interim government, which took power in August after deadly protests forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India, has been struggling to stabilize food prices that have surged nearly 20% in recent months.

Higher imports by Bangladesh could lift shipments from neighbouring India, the top global rice exporter, which last month cut the duty on parboiled rice exports to 10%.

The floods have also severely impacted other agricultural products, including more than 200,000 tons of vegetables. Total nationwide agricultural losses due to the flooding are estimated at around 45 billion taka ($380 million).

Bangladesh, the world’s third-largest rice producer, typically produces nearly 40 million tons of rice a year to feed its population of 170 million. However, natural disasters often disrupt production and lead to increased dependency on imports.

The floods this year have underscored Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change. A 2015 World Bank Institute analysis estimated 3.5 million people in Bangladesh are at risk of annual river flooding, a risk scientists say is worsening due to global climate change.

“To ensure food security in the face of increasing climate challenges, it is essential to develop more flood- and drought-tolerant crop varieties, along with short-duration varieties,” said Khandakar Mohammad Iftekharuddaula, chief scientific officer at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute.

He said investing in agricultural research is crucial for developing these resilient crops.

“By focusing on flood- and drought-resistant traits, we can help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and stabilize yields even in difficult conditions.”

($1 = 119.0000 taka)

(Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Tom Hogue)

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Pastor Chris Okafor weds fiancée amid ongoing controversy with actress Doris Ogala

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Pastor Chris Okafor has officially tied the knot with his fiancée, a development that comes amid the ongoing public drama involving Nollywood actress Doris Ogala.

The wedding comes weeks after Doris Ogala went public with claims that she dated the clergyman for several years and was promised marriage — allegations she repeated during a live session with Daddy Freeze, where she shared detailed accounts of their relationship and fallout.

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Ooni Of Ife Installs Ghanaian President Mahama as Aare Atayeto Oodua (Photos)

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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Monday underscored African unity while conferring the prestigious chieftaincy title of Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source on Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, stressing that Africans are “one people, one family” beyond colonial-era borders.

The ceremony, held at Afewonro Park within the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, attracted traditional rulers, political figures, and cultural dignitaries from both Yorubaland and Ghana, highlighting Ile-Ife’s historical significance as the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people.

Receiving President Mahama with full honours and tight security, the Ooni, who also serves as Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, described the Ghanaian leader as a symbol of cultural continuity, economic reform, and Pan-African solidarity.

“This palace is familiar to you. You have been part of our journey and have grown with us,” Oba Ogunwusi remarked, acknowledging Mahama’s enduring connection with Ile-Ife even prior to his return to the presidency of Ghana.

The monarch further stressed that artificial boundaries imposed during colonial rule should not diminish Africa’s shared heritage, citing linguistic and cultural ties between the Yoruba and Ghana people.

“In Ghana, you say ‘Akwaabo,’ and here we say ‘Ekaabo.’ Are they not the same? We are one people, one family,” the Ooni declared.

 

Oba Ogunwusi recalled that during a previous visit to Ile-Ife after leaving office, prayers were offered with a prophetic declaration that Mahama would return to leadership, a prophecy he noted has since come to pass.

“To the glory of God, you are now a true reformer. Upon assuming office for a second term, Ghana’s economy witnessed a remarkable turnaround. We are immensely proud of your leadership,” he said, commending Mahama’s economic achievements and expressing confidence in his potential influence on the African Union.

In his acceptance address, President Mahama expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Ooni and the people of Ile-Ife, emphasising the ancestral links between Ghana and Nigeria.

“The people of Accra trace their lineage to Ile-Ife. We are one family,” Mahama affirmed, dedicating the chieftaincy title to all Ghanaians.

He also pledged to leverage his new role to strengthen bilateral relations and foster reconciliation within West Africa.

“As long as I serve as President of Ghana, I will work to deepen ties between our nations and bridge divides within ECOWAS,” he promised.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES SENATOR IFEANYI ARARUME ON HIS BIRTHDAY

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President Bola Tinubu felicitates Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Ararume, astute politician and accomplished businessman, on his birthday, December 16.

Senator Ararume’s odyssey in politics began in the late 1980s, when he served as the State Treasurer of the Liberal Convention in old Imo State. He later joined the National Finance Committee of the defunct National Republican Convention.

He represented Imo North in the 9th National Assembly. He was first elected in May 1999 and re-elected in April 2003. He also served on several committees and held other official roles.

President Tinubu commends the former senator for his years of service to the nation and contributions to its peace, unity, and progress.

The President describes Senator Ararume as a resolute and shrewd politician, highlighting his courageous and remarkable political journey through the years.

President Tinubu wishes Senator Ararume a happy 67th birthday and prays that God Almighty will grant him more years of good health and strength.

 

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