“Farmers’ income has increased unlike during the time of UNP” – Minister Johnston Fernando

Responding to a question raised in Parliament yesterday (24) by the leader of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Minister of Co-operative and Internal Trade, Johnston Fernando stated that the private sector purchased paddy from farmers at a higher rate than the certified price, due to the Government’s moves initiated to guarantee a good income to the farmer.
Speaking further, Minister Johnston Fernando stressed the certified price of paddy is Rs. 30 but the private sector buys paddy at the rate of Rs. 47 from the farmers. He said the Government spent Rs. 7,587 million to buy paddy from farmers last year.
Farmers’ income has increased many folds unlike during the time of the United National Party (UNP) when farmers committed suicide, Minister Johnston Fernando said, adding that this Government does not import rice when the farmers’ harvest reaches the market.
Minister Johnston Fernando stressed the Government would take measures to introduce a fixed price for paddy by February next year. He said it is the first time in history that the private sector purchased paddy at such over-priced rates.