The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation is set to announce the highly anticipated certified price for paddy today, with a focus on ensuring that the price is reflective of the full cost of production. Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne confirmed that the new price would account for all expenses incurred by farmers in cultivating paddy.
This move comes in response to years of demands from Sri Lanka’s farming community, who have long sought a price that guarantees at least a 30 percent profit margin above production costs for every kilogramme of paddy harvested.
While this target has often been out of reach in the past, Karunaratne emphasized that the government has taken concrete steps to address the issue.
"We are committed to ensuring that the certified price includes the 30 percent profit margin that farmers have been advocating for," Karunaratne stated, highlighting the government's intent to meet the expectations of the agricultural sector.
In addition to the price adjustment, the Treasury has allocated a significant Rs. 5 billion to facilitate the direct purchase of paddy stocks from local farmers. This financial boost aims to support the agricultural community and ensure that farmers are adequately compensated for their efforts.
The announcement of the certified price is expected to bring much-needed relief to Sri Lanka's paddy farmers, who have faced numerous challenges in recent years. The government’s intervention is seen as a crucial step in stabilizing the agricultural sector and promoting the welfare of local farmers.
