No need to stockpile rice: Minister Amaraweera

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera states that there is no necessity to stockpile rice as there is adequate stocks in the country.

Minister Amaraweera also said that the paddy stocks owned by the Paddy Marketing Board will be converted into rice and released to the market from today (12).

The Minister said that the stocks of rice will be distributed to Sathosa, Co-operative outlets and other supermarkets from tonight.

Pointing out that more than the required number of farmers are currently engaged in agricultural activities, the Minister said that there is no need to have fears of a food shortage.

He also said that the country currently have enough supply of rice to last until the end of the year, and requested the public not to store rice or paddy in an unnecessary manner.

The Minister also said that the price of rice has risen due to this stockpiling, and pointed out that the outlets, including Sathosa and other Co-operatives are providing rice at the imposed control price.

Once rice is released to the market, the Minister said that he hopes the price of rice will decrease.