Former UNP Deputy Leader and MP Ravi Karunanayake has questioned the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation in Parliament over the challenges facing paddy farmers across the country.
He said that despite adequate domestic paddy production, issues such as rice imports, rising cultivation costs, declining farm-gate paddy prices, and delays in providing agricultural subsidies and assistance are threatening farmers’ incomes, the future of paddy cultivation, and the country’s food security.
Karunanayake requested details of the total extent of paddy cultivation and total paddy production recorded annually from 2019 to 2025, as well as figures available for 2026.
He also sought information on the average cost of producing one kilogram of paddy during those years, the main cost components involved, and whether farmers were incurring significant financial losses because farm-gate prices often remained at or below production costs.
Although the subject Minister, K.D. Lalkantha, was present in the House, Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa requested additional time on behalf of the government to respond to the questions.
