50 paddy dryers to be provided to cooperative societies at Rs. 500 million cost

The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development has said that a special initiative has been launched to strengthen the cooperative sector and improve efficiency in the country’s production process, with the aim of delivering better services to the public and reducing political influence in the sector. The Ministry said that Rs. 500 million in decentralised funds has been allocated under the programme to support the development of active and stable cooperative societies, moving away from previous politically influenced distribution methods. It further said that, as part of the initiative, the government has decided to directly intervene to address difficulties faced by farmers in drying paddy due to adverse weather conditions and the risks associated with drying paddy along roadsides. Accordingly, 50 modern paddy dryers with a daily capacity of nearly 10 metric tonnes, each valued at around Rs. 10 million, will be distributed to cooperative societies islandwide. Cooperative societies requiring paddy dryers will be able to apply with proper project proposals. The Ministry said the initiative will enable farmers to sell their harvest to cooperatives at better prices, while also allowing cooperative members to conveniently use the dryers. Referring to the current paddy situation, the Ministry said that following a record harvest in the last Maha season and large-scale cultivation in the ongoing Yala season, there is no risk of a rice shortage in the country. It said all Paddy Marketing Board warehouses are being opened, while Sathosa and other state institutions are being coordinated to expedite the purchase of paddy from farmers at fair prices. The Ministry further said that strengthening the paddy procurement process is expected to ensure fair market competition, provide consumers with rice at affordable prices, and encourage the private sector to offer fair prices to farmers. (Newswire)