Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security, R.M. Jayawardena, has announced that all mill owners and storekeepers purchasing paddy during the ‘Maha season’ must register with the government’s Paddy Marketing Board.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that the registration initiative is aimed at creating a comprehensive data system to monitor rice stocks and prevent stock concealment.
He further emphasized that the government’s paddy purchasing programme is designed to maintain a steady rice supply and avoid potential shortages.
In addition, the government plans to simultaneously set and announce fixed prices for both paddy and rice, ensuring fair and transparent pricing for producers and consumers.