President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the Government plans to expand the use of locally produced rice beyond its traditional role as a staple food by promoting its use in the production of beer, animal feed and other value-added products.
Speaking at the launch of the second phase of the Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project yesterday, the President said the Government has removed a gazette notification that previously prohibited the use of rice for non-food products.
He said the policy change is intended to create a broader market for paddy, particularly during periods of surplus production, allowing farmers to secure fairer and more competitive prices for their harvest.
President Dissanayake noted that research institutions specialising in post-harvest technology have already developed a range of rice-based products, including biscuits, cakes and beverages such as beer, at the research stage. The Government now plans to commercialise these products to expand market opportunities.
He said increasing the industrial and commercial use of rice would attract more buyers into the market, reducing the dominance of rice millers and creating greater competition, ultimately benefiting paddy farmers through stronger demand for their produce.