Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne has appealed to farmers to deliver their paddy stocks to government warehouses, assuring an additional payment of two rupees per kilogram on top of the guaranteed price. The minister made this request during an inspection visit to the Embilipitiya Paddy Warehouse Complex.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting farmers, Minister Karunaratne announced plans to finalize the guaranteed price for paddy shortly. He explained that the price would be calculated by taking the production cost of a kilogram of paddy and adding one-third of that amount as a profit margin for farmers.
To encourage participation, the minister urged farmers to allocate a portion of their harvest to government warehouses, emphasizing that the additional incentive is aimed at stabilizing the paddy market and ensuring fair compensation for their produce. He reassured the farming community of the government’s dedication to safeguarding their livelihoods and addressing food security challenges.
The inspection visit to the Embilipitiya Paddy Warehouse Complex also showcased the government’s efforts to improve storage facilities and streamline the paddy supply chain. Minister Karunaratne’s appeal seeks to foster collaboration between farmers and government authorities for a sustainable agricultural sector.