The Food Policy and Security Committee has recommended future rice imports to ensure an uninterrupted supply for consumers and prevent potential shortages.
Reports indicate that despite ongoing harvesting, rice prices in the market have been rising, and certain rice varieties are becoming scarce. In response, discussions were held regarding the Cabinet’s consideration of rice imports to maintain sufficient stock levels.
The committee convened for the fifth time yesterday (01) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the chairmanship of Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation, K. D. Lal Kantha, alongside Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe. The meeting focused on making key policy decisions to strengthen food security in the country.
During the discussions, it was revealed that heavy rainfall this year had significantly reduced the anticipated harvest due to crop damage occurring on two separate occasions.
Additionally, the committee noted that irregular use of rice for animal feed has contributed to the shortage. To address this, attention was given to the possibility of importing broken rice specifically for the animal production industry and exploring alternative feed options.
As a result, the Food Security Committee approved the formation of a specialized committee, headed by the Director General of Agriculture, to oversee the importation of the necessary quantity of broken rice through proper procedures.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, President’s Senior Additional Secretary Kapila Janaka Bandara, and other members of the Food Policy and Security Committee, including ministry secretaries.
