Parliament Committee calls for integrated agricultural data system to ensure rice security

A parliamentary committee has stressed the need to establish a comprehensive agricultural data system to ensure efficient planning of paddy production and prevent imbalances between supply and market demand. The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability highlighted the importance of reliable agricultural data while reviewing the paddy purchasing process and measures taken by the government to ensure an adequate supply of rice for the country. The matter was discussed when the Committee met recently at Parliament under the chairmanship of MP Hector Appuhamy. Committee members noted that an integrated data system providing accurate information on cultivated crop varieties, cultivation extents and market requirements would help reduce excess production, minimise price fluctuations and ensure farmers receive a fair price for their produce. The Committee also examined production and consumption trends of key rice varieties, including Samba, Keeri Samba, Nadu and Red Rice, and emphasised the need to align cultivation plans with actual market demand. Attention was also drawn to the importance of strengthening coordination and data sharing between the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation and other relevant institutions to improve decision-making in the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, the Committee also considered a proposal referred by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection regarding amendments to the Survey Act, No. 17 of 2002, following a request by MP Ajith P. Perera. The meeting was attended by MPs Upul Kithsiri, Kitnan Selvaraj and Ajith P. Perera, along with Secretaries to the Ministries of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development and Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, as well as officials from the relevant institutions.