• Farmers agitated over increase of guaranteed price for paddy
• All organic fertilizer, along with Nitrogen and Potassium, would be imported by the end of October to be distributed among farmers free of charge

By Kelum Bandara

Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said the government would be compelled to import rice if there was a shortage triggered by farmers refusing to sell their harvest.

The Minister told a news conference that farmers were agitating for the increase of guaranteed price for paddy purchased, and therefore the government increased it by five rupees a kilo for Nadu variety.

He said he would request the government to increase prices for Samba and Keeri Samba varieties by similar amounts in the future.  

“If farmers continue to refuse to sell off their produce, the government will be compelled to import rice to avert any shortage.  If that is the case, I cannot help,” he said.

The Minister said all organic fertilizer, along with Nitrogen and Potassium, would be imported by the end of October to be distributed among farmers free of charge.