Bangladesh wastes approximately 3.5 million tonnes of food every year, Food State Minister Md Abdul Bari told parliament on Monday, citing a UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) report.
Citing the “Food Waste Index 2024” report, the minister shared the figure during the question-and-answer session of the 13th National Parliament’s second session. Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal presided over the session, which began at 3pm.
However, the minister noted that the 3.5 million tonnes represents the overall national picture of waste. He said that under government management, food grain loss and waste in warehouses and silos have been reduced compared to previous years.
Under the Food Ministry, food grains are collected and stored in warehouses and silos to ensure food security, the minister explained. Some loss occurs during distribution from these facilities to various sectors.
He said attention has been given to proper storage and transportation through the construction of modern silos and warehouses, as well as raising awareness among stakeholders. Through these efforts, food grain waste is being gradually reduced.
The minister provided statistics showing a decline in government-managed food grain loss.
In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, total loss or waste stood at 21,329.88 metric tons, or 0.316 percent. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, this decreased to 18,887.347 metric tons, or 0.28 percent.
The Bangladesh Safe Food Authority is working to raise public awareness to prevent food waste and ensure food security and safety, the minister added.
Alongside efforts to increase production, they are also conducting various activities to prevent waste and loss of produced goods, he informed parliament.
The minister was responding to a written question from Md Abul Kalam, MP for Cumilla-9, who had asked what steps the ministry would take to raise public awareness to curb food waste.
