Minister Explains Delay in Declaring Guaranteed Paddy Price

Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that the government will introduce a guaranteed price for paddy purchases once market prices begin to decline, ensuring both farmer and consumer interests are protected. 

Speaking at the Cabinet press briefing today (28), the Minister explained that farmers currently gain more by selling their paddy to private buyers rather than the government. 

“At present, it is more beneficial for farmers to sell their paddy to private processors who turn it into rice and release it to the market,” he stated. 

He highlighted that while the government is taking steps to stabilise the paddy market, it does not intend to dominate it. “We are repairing paddy warehouses and allocating funds for purchases. However, the government cannot and should not take over the paddy market entirely. Many small and medium-scale entrepreneurs play an important role in this sector,” he said. 

Jayatissa emphasised that the government’s focus is to maintain a balance that supports both farmers and consumers without destabilising the market. “There is no intention to remove the rice price control, and we plan to introduce a minimum guaranteed price for paddy when necessary,” he assured. 

The Minister also noted that the announcement of a guaranteed price would depend on observing a significant decline in market prices. “The government will declare guaranteed prices as soon as we see paddy prices falling. There is no need for concern at this moment,” he added.