January 12, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister for Trade, Commerce, and Food Security R.M. Jayawardena, has announced that all mill owners and traders involved in purchasing paddy during the upcoming Maha season must register with the government’s Paddy Marketing Board.
This initiative is part of a wider effort to streamline the country’s rice supply chain and ensure there is no shortage of the staple food.
Speaking at a recent event, Jayawardena explained that the registration requirement is crucial for creating a comprehensive data system that tracks the quantities of paddy entering the market.
This will also help the government in curbing any potential attempts to hoard rice stocks, which could otherwise lead to artificially inflated prices or shortages in the market.
By maintaining accurate records, the authorities will be better equipped to manage rice production and distribution across the nation.
The Deputy Minister further emphasised that the government’s paddy purchasing programme is designed to guarantee a steady and reliable supply of rice.
The move comes as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation’s food security, especially in the face of fluctuations in domestic production and unpredictable weather conditions that could affect harvests.
In a related development, Jayawardena also revealed that the government is considering the introduction of a fixed price for both paddy and rice, which will be announced soon.
This is expected to stabilise prices for consumers while ensuring that farmers and mill owners receive fair compensation for their produce.
