Deputy Minister Namal Rajapaksa: Farmers Holding Paddy Also at Fault; Prices Driven by Market Demand

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Rajapaksa has stated that farmers who held onto their paddy instead of delivering it to government warehouses when they were open are also at fault for current sales difficulties. He emphasized that paddy prices are determined by market demand and supply, not fixed government rates. Rajapaksa noted that while the government is currently purchasing paddy at prices between Rs. 120-130 per kilogram, an increase from previous rates, he dismissed claims of unfair pricing for the current season. He also mentioned that the government incurs significant losses providing fertilizer and promised a higher guaranteed price for paddy in the upcoming Maha season.