Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe has stated that this year’s guaranteed paddy price is the highest in history, with an increase of Rs. 15 per kilo compared to last year. He dismissed claims that the price is inadequate, alleging that such criticism is being made for political reasons rather than genuine farmer concerns.
According to the minister, the majority of farmers have not yet begun harvesting, and once the harvest is in full swing, they will acknowledge that the current paddy price is the best they have received. He insisted that real farmers are not the ones complaining, but rather those with political agendas.
Samarasinghe further announced that paddy purchasing operations will be expanded to 220 warehouses nationwide by the end of this month, ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their harvest. His remarks come amidst ongoing debates over agricultural policies and farmer livelihoods, with some groups expressing concerns about rising production costs and fair market access.
