Local potato and onion farmers in Sri Lanka say they may be forced to abandon cultivation altogether due to severe losses caused by the continued influx of cheaper imported produce.
Sudath Perera, Secretary of the Parakum Govi Raja Peramuna, said that excessive imports of potatoes and onions have left local farmers unable to sell their harvests, pushing them into economic distress.
“As traders favour bulk-stored imported stocks, local produce remains unsold,” Perera said, adding that authorities risk a farming collapse unless urgent action is taken.
Currently, Sri Lankan potatoes are selling at a wholesale price of Rs 190 per kilogram, while Iranian and Pakistani varieties are priced at Rs 180 and Rs 160 respectively.
Similarly, local large onions are priced at Rs 140 per kilogram, compared to Rs 135 for Indian onions and just Rs 70 for those from Pakistan.
Perera noted that with production costs exceeding current market prices, farmers are unable to break even, let alone turn a profit.
“At this rate, farmers will have no choice but to stop cultivation entirely,” he added.
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