Govt stops rice imports
[17 July 2000]

The Government has decided to stop all imports of rice to the country with immediate effect, as a solution to the plight of the farmers who were left with unsold stocks of paddy from the last two seasons.

President Kumarartuinga took this decision during the weekend following representations made to her by the SLFP MPs in the paddy growing areas.

Following are the incentives that were decided by the Government to grant for farmers :

• Re-introduction of the fertilizer subsidy given to farmers, which has halted under the UNP government.

• Cultivation loans given to farmers amounting to several millions of rupees which the farmers had been unable to pay were cut off.

• Giving loans for paddy cultivation at low interest rates.

• Improving agricultural advisory services to farmers, and introducing them to new and improved methods of cultivation.

Also it was stated that necessary steps would be taken against traders who would not respond to the government's decision with regard to the import of rice.

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