KATHMANDU, JANUARY 31 The Birgunj Customs Office recorded food imports worth Rs 11.57 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year 2082/83 BS, slightly lower than the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. According to information officer Uday Singh Bista, rice imports amounted to 150.43 million kilograms valued at Rs 5.68 billion, down from Rs 6.9 billion during the same period last year. Overall food imports in the first six months of the previous fiscal year stood at Rs 11.78 billion. Similarly, maize worth Rs 3.41 billion was imported during the review period. Imports of rice under another category totalled Rs 1.61 billion, while malt imports were valued at Rs 330 million. Buckwheat, millet and other grains accounted for imports worth Rs 237.03 million.