“Minister deceived us, says Farmers’ Union

The National Farmers’ Union points out that private traders have started purchasing the paddy harvest for the Maha season, but the government has not announced a guaranteed price for paddy yet.

Its chairman, Anuradha Tennakoon, says that today, taking into account the expenses and income of paddy farmers, the cost of producing one kilo of paddy is about Rs. 116.

He also stated that a profit of Rs. 29 per kilo of paddy is expected with a production profit of 25%.

“Paddy harvesting has started in all areas including Ampara and Akkaraipattu. But a guaranteed price for paddy has not been announced yet. The Minister invited us for a discussion and welcomed our proposals but it seems he has deceived us. If the guaranteed price is not announced soon, the traders will buy paddy at much lower prices.”