-Presented by the United Modern Party
(Lanka-e-News -10.Dec.2024, 11.10 PM) Rice is a fundamental element of Sri Lanka’s culinary culture and lifestyle, critical for national food security and the economy. However, ongoing shortages and rising prices have caused severe issues for the population and the economy, a problem persisting for decades due to poor management, misuse, and market manipulation. Both short-term and long-term strategies are necessary to address these challenges.
1. Misuse of Rice
• Studies indicate the average Sri Lankan consumes 100-110 kilograms of rice annually, about 8.75 kg per month or 275 grams daily.
• The country produces 2.5 to 3 metric tons of rice per hectare annually, with 1.2–1.3 million hectares cultivated yearly. This output is sufficient to meet local consumption needs.
• Despite investments in rice production, profits are often reaped by politically connected rice market mafias rather than benefiting the general public.
2. Use of Rice for Animal Feed
• Large-scale poultry industries use rice for feed, reducing availability for human consumption.
• Rice mafias sell rice at higher prices to the public while offering it at lower prices for beer and poultry production, worsening the crisis.
3. Market Manipulation
• Middlemen and mill owners stockpile rice, artificially inflating prices.
• Weak market regulation allows mafias to dominate and control prices.
4. Unwise Agricultural Policies
• Policies like the fertilizer ban in 2021 severely impacted rice production, forcing reliance on imports.
• Many farmers abandoned rice farming due to sudden shifts toward organic farming.
5. Inadequate Alternative Food Options
• The high cost of living forces many Sri Lankans to rely on rice as a staple meal. For instance, rice is a cheaper alternative to bread for a family meal.
1. Ban Industrial Use of Rice
• Prohibit the use of rice in beer production and animal feed to prioritize human consumption.
2. Increase Rice Imports
• Encourage private sector imports to stabilize supply until the next harvest.
3. Strengthen Market Regulations
• Take legal action against those stockpiling rice to manipulate prices.
• Monitor the supply chain and ensure fair pricing.
4. Provide Fertilizer to Farmers
• Subsidize fertilizers to boost upcoming harvests and increase production.
5. Emergency Cultivation Programs
• Promote short-term cultivation projects in unused lands.
1. Modern Storage Facilities
• Build advanced storage centers to preserve post-harvest rice.
• Upgrade government-owned storage with military assistance.
2. Encourage Farmer Entrepreneurship
• Introduce online platforms to connect farmers with markets, reducing dependency on middlemen.
3. Price Stabilization Mechanisms
• Implement price stabilization strategies to protect farmers’ incomes.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns
• Educate the public on the health risks of overconsuming polished white rice and promote dietary diversification.
5. Promote Alternative Crops and Foods
• Introduce policies encouraging a balanced diet with vegetables, fish, and meat.
6. Tax Reforms
• Develop fair tax policies to reduce the financial burden on staple foods, avoiding regressive taxation.
Addressing Sri Lanka’s rice crisis requires a multifaceted approach involving immediate interventions and systemic changes. Ensuring sufficient rice availability, reducing dependence on imports, and enhancing agricultural productivity will contribute to national food security and economic stability.
Presented by the General Secretary, United Modern Party
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by (2024-12-10 18:26:37)
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