New system to distribute produce countrywide

The Task Force on Essential Services has issued new regulations for the distribution of vegetables around the country, which will be done through the respective Divisional Secretariats from yesterday.

Issuing a statement, the Task Force Secretariat noted that it had been pointed out to them numerous times by experts that allowing hundreds of farmers to converge at economic centres was risky as it could foster the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, until further notice, no farmers will be allowed to gather at the Economic Centres in Dambulla, Thambuththegama, Nuwara Eliya, Keppetipola, and Ambilipitiya.

Instead, the transactions at these centres will be conducted online or via phone. The Essential Items Procurement Committees established at every Divisional Secretariat countrywide have the responsibility of evaluating how much vegetables are needed for their area and conveying that to the nearest centre by 10 a.m. Each order should not be less than 7,000 kg. According to the statement, those manning the centres will then notify the Divisional Secretariats before 2 p.m. on whether their orders can be met and what changes, if any, may be made. The goods will then be dispatched from the centres to the respective Divisional Secretariats. Once they arrive, the regional sellers are responsible for offloading, distributing and selling the stocks.

The Divisional Secretariat is responsible for monitoring the quality of the vegetables and other goods received and ensuring that they are distributed covering the entire region equitably.

“The Task Force will continue to evaluate and monitor the distribution of the vegetables and other provisions to ensure that the public are adequately supplied. We are confident that with these measures in place the distribution of goods can continue without placing anyone in unnecessary danger,” the statement from the Task Force said.