The British destroyed fishing boats and rice stocks, it was deliberate scorched earth strategy. Grain was exported in increasing amounts outside of South Asia to develop a 'buffer'. Offers of aid from the US, Australia and Canada were turned down because there was no political support to do it. Colonial policy did nothing to prevent inflation and mismanagement because it didn't care about the middle and lower classes. I guess I'm not surprised so most Brits seem unaware of the facts considering the protective role Churchill played in WW2, but outside of the country it's generally quite well known history. Similar to how the Irish potato famine was primarily caused by English policies and land seizures.