Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Namal Karunaratne, has acknowledged that the government is intentionally delaying the announcement of a minimum guaranteed price for paddy to pass benefits to farmers. Addressing a press conference today (27), the Deputy Minister stated that the delay is a strategic move aimed at allowing the private sector to purchase paddy at higher prices during the peak of market demand.
Despite this explanation, weeks into the harvesting of the ‘Maha’ cultivation season, the government has yet to establish a guaranteed price for paddy.
Farmers’ associations, however, have expressed frustration over the delay, arguing that it has inadvertently opened the door for private sector entities to exploit the situation by purchasing paddy at unreasonably low prices.
Representatives of farmers’ groups are calling for immediate government intervention to ensure fair pricing mechanisms that safeguard their livelihoods. They emphasize the urgent need for a guaranteed price to stabilize the agricultural sector and prevent exploitation by private buyers.
“This delay is harming farmers rather than helping them. Without a guaranteed price, we are left vulnerable to market manipulation and unfair practices,” said a spokesperson for one of the farmers’ associations.
As concerns grow, pressure mounts on the government to take swift action to protect the agricultural community and ensure equitable outcomes for the farming sector.
