By: Isuru Parakrama
March 23, Colombo (LNW): Farming communities are sounding the alarm over the growing impact of recent fuel price hikes, warning that the agricultural sector is coming under intense pressure.
Growers’ organisations say the sharp increase in fuel costs has driven up expenses at every stage of farming, from land preparation to distribution. Vegetable traders in Keppetipola report that transport charges have risen steeply in recent days, making it increasingly difficult to move produce from up-country farms to urban markets.
Some traders caution that, if the situation persists, the vegetable supply chain in the hill country could face serious disruption, with the risk of shortages in key markets. They note that smaller-scale farmers, in particular, are struggling to absorb the additional costs.
Rice producers have echoed similar concerns, pointing out that both cultivation and delivery expenses have climbed significantly. With fuel playing a critical role in irrigation, machinery operation and logistics, they argue that maintaining current price levels is no longer viable.
As a result, industry representatives suggest that rice prices may soon be revised upwards, potentially by more than Rs. 10 per kilogramme. Analysts warn that such increases could have a ripple effect on overall food prices, adding further strain to household budgets already under pressure.