The attention of the governmnet was drawn to increasing paddy production by limiting rice imports and formalizing the rice purchasing mechanism, while ensuring high-quality rice at affordable prices and protecting farmers.
The meeting, held this morning (25) at the Presidential Secretariat, focused on preparing a structured plan to resolve longstanding issues faced by paddy farmers.
It was chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha and Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe.
Minister Lalkantha noted that although programmes to safeguard paddy farmers had existed for years, no similar structured approach had been introduced for other crops. He stressed that the government aims to uplift all farmers by providing consistent protection and support. He also called for farmers, officials and politicians to work as a single team rather than in isolation.
The discussion also centred on fertilizer subsidy pricing in line with global market trends, maintaining a fixed price for paddy to prevent exploitation, and improving key facilities such as storage and drying. Officials were instructed to submit district-wise production cost reports before new policy decisions are taken, which will guide the setting of guaranteed paddy prices.
It was highlighted that while seed paddy, fertilizer subsidies and other support have been extended to farmers, state institutions still require vehicles, equipment and adequate staff, with immediate attention needed to fill vacancies in critical sectors.
Farmers who attended the meeting expressed appreciation for the government’s structured intervention and said they were willing to work collaboratively to find lasting solutions.
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