Tensions between farmers and the government have flared once again, with leading farmers’ organisations accusing the authorities of failing to provide fair prices for paddy harvests.
At a media briefing in Anuradhapura, Chairman of the Anuradhapura Farmers’ Union Sunil Rajapaksa slammed Deputy Agriculture Minister Namal Karunaratne, recalling his dramatic gestures in the past when he was in the opposition.
“He ate paddy then. Let him come and speak to us now. This time, we’ll feed him hay,” Rajapaksa said.
Farmers’ unions say they are under severe economic pressure as the market prices remain far below expectations, leaving many unable to recover even basic production costs.
Leave a comment