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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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“Ned Nwoko Paid Us N5 Million Each To Kill Regina Daniels” – Man Claims As Video Goes Viral (Watch)

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A young man has sparked widespread reactions on social media after claiming that Senator Ned Nwoko offered him and others N5 million each to kill his estranged wife, actress Regina Daniels.

Ned Nwoko, a Nigerian billionaire and politician, has been embroiled in a highly publicised marital crisis with Regina Daniels, with rumours of separation dominating the headlines in recent months.

Although the couple appears to have moved on separately, the recent allegation has reignited public attention on their turbulent relationship.

In a viral video on X (formerly Twitter), the young man, who partially concealed his face, alleged that the Senator instructed them to carry out the killing, providing Daniels’ location and schedule. He claimed they refused the assignment, citing the high risk involved.

He stated in the video: “Ned Nwoko told us to go and kill Regina Daniels, gave us her location and the time she was going to move, but we refused to do it, because… I cannot do it.”

The man further alleged that even appearing in the video put his life in danger. He added that the Senator had paid them N5 million each and warned Regina Daniels to be cautious during the current ember months.

The revelation has generated mixed reactions across social media, with many Nigerians expressing shock, concern, and disbelief over the claim.

Watch the video below…

 

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“Mistakes Happen” – Woman Begs Husband After DNA Test Reveals He Isn’t The Father Of Her 3 Children (Video)

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A shocking family drama unfolded when a man discovered that the three children he had raised for six years were not biologically his.

The truth came to light just weeks before Thanksgiving, leaving the man devastated and struggling to process the betrayal.

In a post shared by @amebogist on Instagram, it was reported that he asked the woman and her children to leave while he processed the revelation.

But his family, believing the children shouldn’t be punished for their mother’s actions, invited them to the holiday gathering without consulting him.

When the woman and her children arrived, the man became visibly upset, witnesses say he rushed to the front door, blocking their entry, and told his family he wasn’t ready to see them so soon after learning the truth.

The woman reportedly pleaded with him, saying, “Mistake happens,” asking for forgiveness and understanding.

Despite her pleas, the man stood firm, and she eventually left with the children to avoid making the situation worse.

The incident has sparked heated debate online. Some defended the man, arguing he had every right to protect his emotional well-being. Others said the children shouldn’t suffer for their mother’s betrayal.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRvIeDjDvrl/?igsh=djFlYzh6eDNieHJ2

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Community Leaders Probe Alleged ‘Underage Marriage’ In Benue (Photos)

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Leaders of the Ikurav-Ya community in Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, on Wednesday launched an investigation into an alleged underage marriage that has sparked public debate after the couple’s pre-wedding photos went viral.

According to findings from the inquiry, the bride-to-be, Angel, was born in 2006 and completed her secondary education last year.

Officials also established that both families fully consented to the union.

The girl is also said to be 12 weeks pregnant

 

The council says the fact-finding exercise was necessary to address misinformation and provide clarity on the issue.

However, according to Zege Orkwande, his personal investigation revealed that the girl is 15 years old and an orphan.

“Ikurav-ya President held an investigation on the controversial underaged Marriage Saga today. According to them, here are the facts discovered: The said girl was born in 2006 (19yrs). The girl passed out from secondary school last year.

“Both parents of the couple are fully in support. My personal facts gathered, the girl is 15yrs and without parents. She’s staying with the aunty who couldn’t fund her education no more. She’s heavily pregnant.

“She got pregnant before her SSCE paper. At least my noise made them to investigate. The girl is pregnant already while date for marriage is 18th December. Before you support such marriage, wait when you give birth to a girl child then give her to a man at age 15 to marry.

“Orkwande give up at this point. Una don WIN,” he wrote.

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