The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food Ministry yesterday recommended the government to stop the rice import in the interest of local farmers. It also suggested the government to procure rice directly from farmers to protect the interests of farmers. The parliamentary watchdog came up with the recommendations at its second meeting held at the Jatiya Sangsad with its chairman Mohammad Nasim in the chair, said a Parliament Secretariat handout.

The committee also suggested the government to continue the drive against food adulteration throughout the year and increase the manpower of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority to strengthen and expand its activities up to the district level.