Dhaka, Aug. 6 -- The government has decided to increase its strategic food grain reserve to meet the country's growing food demand, strengthen food security and expand social safety net programmes.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee (FPMC) held at the Home Affairs Ministry on Thursday, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Food.

The meeting was chaired by Home Minister and FPMC Chairman Salahuddin Ahmed.

Under the decision, the government's strategic food grain reserve will be increased from the existing 1.3 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes during normal times and 1.5 million metric tonnes during emergencies and disaster situations.

The committee said th...