Food Policy and Safety Committee recommends import rice amid soaring prices and supply concerns

Thursday, 3 April 2025 05:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Officials cite excessive rainfall as key factor affecting this year’s harvest, with crop damage occurring twice leading to lower-than-expected yield
Committee approves importation of broken rice for animal feed; emphasises on encouraging alternative feed options to reduce dependence on rice-based livestock nutrition
New sub-committee led by Director-General of Agriculture tasked with overseeing rice imports

The Food Policy and Safety Committee has recommended the importation of rice to stabilise supply and prevent shortages, following a notable increase in market prices despite the ongoing harvest season.

During its fifth meeting at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (1), the Committee, chaired by Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha and Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, assessed the need for immediate action to ensure food security.

Officials cited excessive rainfall as a key factor affecting this year’s harvest, with crop damage occurring twice and leading to a lower-than-expected yield. Another pressing issue discussed was the improper use of rice as animal feed, which has further contributed to shortages.

To address the situation, the Committee also approved the importation of broken rice specifically for animal feed, with an emphasis on encouraging alternative feed options to reduce dependence on rice-based livestock nutrition.

A new sub-committee, led by the Director-General of Agriculture, has been tasked with overseeing rice imports, ensuring proper mechanisms are in place to maintain stable stock levels. The Cabinet is expected to prioritise these measures in the coming weeks to safeguard consumer access to essential food supplies.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, and other members of the Food Policy and Security Committee, including Ministry Secretaries, also participated in the discussions.