COLOMBO – The government has attributed the current shortage of Nadu rice in the market to artificial causes, despite recent price hikes. B.K. Ranjith, President of the Maradagahamula Rice Producers Association, reported that the retail price of Nadu rice has surged above the regulated ceiling price, reaching over Rs. 230 per kilogram, even though the maximum allowed price is Rs. 220. He cited an alleged shortage of paddy as the reason for the price increase.
However, M.M. Naimuddin, Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, indicated that the Ministry is investigating the issue, noting that recent discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture officials revealed that the paddy yield was at an optimal level in both the previous and current seasons. This suggests that the rice shortage in the market is artificial rather than a result of low production.
To address the issue, the Ministry plans to consult with large-scale rice mill owners and explore potential solutions. Additionally, steps will be taken to purchase paddy directly through Sathosa, convert it into rice, and release it to the market in order to stabilize supply and control prices.
