Imports of rice by Bangladesh are seen falling sharply in 2018-19 to 0.8 mln tn from 3.6 mln tn a year ago due to a rebound in production after the flash floods last year. The country’s rice production is likely to increase to 34.7 mln tn in 2018-19, from 32.7 mln in the previous year. Area under boro rice, which is harvested in Mar-Apr, is seen exceeding the government’s target as farmers have increased rice cultivation expecting higher prices, and also to regain the production losses from last year. Farmers have also switched to boro rice from wheat and potato cultivation.