Rice quality and its impacts on food security and sustainability in Bangladesh

Study overview

Rice market efficiency is important for food security in countries where rice is a staple. This study assesses the impact of rice quality on rice prices, food security, and environmental sustainability in Bangladesh. Rice samples were collected from vendors in 10 retail markets across Dhaka and objectively assessed for broken-grain percentage, chalk percentage, color, length, width, and homogeneity using a Vibe QM3 Rice Analyzer calibrated to the Bangladeshi milled-rice standard. The study finds that price is unaffected by a broken-grain percentage below 24.9 percent, revealing a potential market inefficiency given the average 5 percent broken rate observed in the market, with implications for rice rationing and cropland/emissions savings if broken-rice tolerances were adjusted.