A discussion aimed at formulating a structured plan to resolve the issues faced by paddy farmers was held on Tuesday  (25) morning at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting 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 a specific programme had been implemented for many years to protect paddy cultivation and safeguard paddy farmers, no such structured programme had been introduced for other crops in the country. He emphasized that the present government’s objective is to uplift the living standards of all farmers by ensuring their protection, similar to the support extended to paddy farmers.

The Minister further stated that farmers, government officials and politicians should no longer work in isolation. Instead, all stakeholders must function as a single team to find sustainable solutions to farmers’ problems.

During the discussion, attention was drawn to increasing paddy production by limiting rice imports and formalizing the rice purchasing mechanism. Ensuring high-quality rice at affordable prices for consumers while reducing production costs and protecting farmers was also highlighted.

Discussions further focused on determining fertilizer subsidy prices while considering global market conditions.

It was emphasized that the government has chosen to implement a fixed price for paddy to avoid unfair treatment of farmers. Additionally, long discussions were held on improving facilities for farmers, including storage, drying and other essential production-related activities.

Looking ahead, Minister Lalkantha directed that production cost reports for every district be provided before upcoming policy decisions, highlighting the significance of utilizing these insights when setting guaranteed prices for paddy.

It was emphasized that seed paddy, fertilizer subsidies and additional support for paddy farmers have been made available at a time when numerous critical public service needs are still unaddressed. Consequently, it is essential to take action to supply the necessary vehicles, equipment and personnel to state institutions, as well as to promptly address the current vacancies in the relevant sectors.

Expressing their gratitude to the government for intervening with a clear plan for the first time to resolve their issues, the farmers stated that they are prepared to work together with the government to find sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by paddy farmers.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne, Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply T. B. Sarath, Member of Parliament Susantha Kumara Navaratne, Director General of Agriculture Dr. W.A.R. Thushara Wickramarachchi, senior officials of the Paddy Marketing Board, senior officials of the Department of Agriculture, and a group of paddy farmers also participated in the discussion.