GR 11 Ponni Samba A Substitute For Keeri Samba

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Cabinet has granted approval for the importation of GR 11 variety Ponni Samba rice as a temporary substitute for Keeri Samba rice, in response to a growing shortage in the domestic market and concerns over price hikes beyond the government’s controlled price.

According to the Cabinet decision, importation will be permitted for a period of one month starting tomorrow, with each importer allowed to bring in up to 520 metric tons of GR 11 Ponni Samba.

Sri Lanka’s annual rice consumption stands at approximately 2.46 million metric tons, of which Keeri samba accounts for 246,000 metric tons.