January 13, Colombo (LNW): The government has decided to revise the guaranteed purchase prices for paddy with effect from the forthcoming cultivation season, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne has announced.
Speaking on the matter, the Deputy Minister said the move is aimed at easing cost pressures on farmers and ensuring fair returns for their harvests. As part of the revision, prices for premium varieties such as Samba and Keeri Samba will be adjusted upwards, while the rate for Nadu paddy will remain unchanged.
He stressed that the increase at farm-gate level will not translate into higher prices for consumers, assuring the public that retail rice prices will be kept stable despite the upward revision in paddy rates.
According to Mr Karunaratne, the price of Samba paddy will rise from Rs. 125 to Rs. 130 per kilogram, while Keeri Samba will see a more substantial increase from Rs. 132 to Rs. 140. The Nadu variety will continue to be purchased at Rs. 120. Farmers will be able to sell their produce at these revised rates from the very start of the next season.
The Deputy Minister also noted that authorities are alert to the risk of market manipulation, recalling that previous seasons had seen the emergence of powerful trader networks exerting undue influence over prices. He said measures have already been put in place to curb such practices and ensure that both farmers and consumers are protected.
