DHAKA (Reuters) - Floods in Bangladesh have destroyed an estimated 1.1 million metric tons of rice, according to data from the agriculture ministry, prompting the country to ramp up imports of the staple grain amid soaring food prices.

Bangladesh, the world’s third-largest rice producer, typically produces nearly 40 million tons of rice a year to feed its population of 170 million. However, natural disasters often disrupt production and lead to increased dependency on imports.

Floods in Bangladesh destroyed 1.1 million metric tons of rice. The government is importing 500,000 tons of rice to tackle rising food prices. Severe crop damage has affected millions. The interim government is also permitting private sector imports.

The absence of Shakib Al Hasan has come as a relief to South Africa as they embark on a two-test series in Bangladesh but stand-in captain Aiden Markram does not expect the challenge to be any easier.

Follow live coverage of Bangladesh vs South Africa from the South Africa in Bangladesh 2024 today. The ICC Test Championship sees nine teams compete across a two-year cycle of matches before a two-team final decides the winner. The inaugural competition was won by New Zealand after a thrilling victory over India in June 2021.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has said Shakib Al Hasan's absence from what should have been his farewell Test was "unfortunate," but urged his team to focus on the task at hand - the first match against South Africa starting on Monday.