The National Farmers’ Union has raised concerns over the government’s delay in announcing a guaranteed price for paddy during the main harvesting season, leaving farmers vulnerable to exploitation by private traders.
Union Chairman Anuradha Thennakoon highlighted that private traders have already begun purchasing paddy in key areas such as Ampara and Akkaraipattu, but the absence of a government-guaranteed price has created uncertainty and financial pressure on farmers.
“Today, the cost of producing one kilogram of paddy stands at approximately Rs. 116, factoring in all expenses,” Thennakoon said. “To ensure fair compensation, farmers need a production profit of at least 25%, which translates to a total profit margin of Rs. 29 per kilo. This means the minimum guaranteed price should be around Rs. 150 per kilogram.”
Thennakoon accused the government of misleading farmers. “The minister has cheated us by making empty promises. Without a guaranteed price, traders will exploit farmers by buying paddy at undervalued rates,” he said.
Farmers are urging the government to act swiftly to prevent private traders from acquiring paddy at significantly lower prices, which would further burden the agricultural community already grappling with rising costs and uncertain market conditions. The union has warned that delays in setting a guaranteed price will have dire consequences for farmers’ livelihoods and the nation’s agricultural sector.
