• Govt. to declare price on Wednesday  

Rice producers are demanding that the Government sets a certified price for rice to address the ongoing challenges in the market.

Marandagahamula Rice Traders’ Association President B.K. Ranjith told The Sunday Morning that the lack of a Government-certified price had become an issue. 

He noted that they had been releasing rice to the market at a lower price since Thursday (30 January).

“Due to the wet condition of the paddy caused by continuous rain, farmers are selling it to us at a lower price. Therefore, 1 kg of white rice and parboiled rice (nadu) are sold at wholesale prices of Rs. 217 and Rs. 227, respectively, with retail prices being Rs. 220 and Rs. 230,” he said.

Ranjith added that while it was possible for them to provide rice at controlled prices at present, it would become difficult if farmers were to increase paddy prices. 

The wet paddy has been purchased by millers from farmers just after being harvested at Rs. 107 or higher, a lower rate than before. Millers previously purchased paddy at prices ranging from Rs. 120-130.

Ranjith stressed that without the Government declaring certified prices, the situation remained uncertain and urged the Government to make an announcement soon so that stakeholders could make informed decisions.

According to Ranjith, the relevant authorities have only responded that they will notify the certified prices later and there is no information on ongoing discussions.

Despite Government ministers assuring that future rice shortages will be prevented by creating buffer stocks through the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB), no such purchasing has commenced in the Dimbulagala Mahaweli Zone, where the harvesting season has already begun.

When contacted, Ministry of Agriculture Secretary D.P. Wickremasinghe said that the certified price for paddy would be declared by Wednesday (5).