The Food Policy and Security Committee, tasked with ensuring a safe, secure, and sustainable food system, convened its first meeting (22) at the Presidential Secretariat. The committee is chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha and Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Key Objectives and Priorities
The committee’s primary focus is to implement government policies that ensure food security for all citizens. During the meeting, it was emphasized that accurate data and reliable information are critical for making informed policy decisions. To this end, establishing a robust data and information system has been identified as a top priority to avoid risks associated with unreliable data.
Discussions on Food Production and Consumption
Minister Lal Kantha highlighted the need to balance rice production not only for direct consumption but also for industries such as poultry, egg production, and beer manufacturing, all of which indirectly support human consumption. He stressed the importance of integrating these needs into the government’s agricultural policies.
Additionally, the Minister called for a study of the country’s food consumption patterns to promote healthier eating habits and reduce food waste.
Key Areas of Focus
The meeting covered several critical aspects of food security:
- National Food Security Policy Framework: Developing a comprehensive policy to address food security challenges.
- Essential Food Information System: Establishing mechanisms for reliable data collection and analysis.
- Alignment with International Standards: Formulating strategies consistent with global best practices.
- Scientific Production Plans: Increasing and distributing local food production based on scientific research.
- Food Pricing and Market Management: Addressing affordability and market stability.
Attendance and Contributions
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, and other ministerial secretaries.
This inaugural meeting marks a significant step toward implementing progressive agricultural policies and ensuring food security for all citizens.
