In the shortage of rice in the country there is a need to import a large quantity of rice this year, said Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, speaking to the briefing held in announcing Cabinet decisions today (31).
“There is a shortage of rice. For now, the Trade Minister is acting on importing rice. There is a need to import a large quantity of rice this year,” Amaraweera said.
The Minister went on that however, a plan is being drawn up to stop the importation of rice from next year and to produce the required quantities locally. As of now, 338,000 metric tonnes of rice have been imported, he revealed.
Amaraweera added that the Paddy Marketing Board will obtain 40,000 metric tonnes of rice and supply them through the SATHOSA outlets and supermarkets.
MIAP