January 02, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security has confirmed that the procurement of paddy for the upcoming Maha season will begin after the 20th of this month.
This move is part of a broader strategy to secure sufficient rice supplies and stabilise the market.
Deputy Minister of Trade, R.M. Jayawardana, outlined that the government is focused on bolstering its rice reserves and expanding the distribution of rice through Lanka Sathosa, the country’s largest retail network.
This initiative aims to ensure that rice remains affordable and accessible to the public throughout the year.
In an effort to support local farmers and strengthen the agricultural sector, the government is also planning to purchase a larger quantity of paddy than in previous years.
This will provide farmers with a guaranteed market for their produce while helping to secure a stable supply of rice for domestic consumption.
Additionally, the Ministry is set to invest in the renovation and utilisation of rice storage facilities that have been left unused in recent years.
By improving these facilities, the government aims to increase the efficiency of rice storage and reduce wastage, further strengthening the country’s food security infrastructure.
Investigations have revealed potential misuse of Rs. 28 billion allocated to the Paddy Marketing Board in recent years, the Deputy Minister further disclosed.
These financial irregularities are currently under investigation, with the authorities pledging that they are committed to ensuring accountability and transparency moving forward.
