The Hon. Sajith Premadasa — Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I second Hon. Rohana Bandara’s Adjournment Motion. I wish to focus on issues in the agriculture sector, especially paddy. We all must seek solutions and prod the Government to implement them.

¶ 02 Why has paddy productivity fallen? The fertiliser and agrochemical ban led to a 34% drop in rice production. Fertiliser usage still remains 35% below recommended levels. The Government must restore recommended application over the coming seasons via extension and provide the necessary financial strength.

¶ 03 On the guaranteed price: we heard of Rs. 120 per kilo. That is not a guaranteed price but a price control. No Government buys the entire harvest — only a percentage to stabilise prices. Ministers themselves, in the fields, said Rs. 140–150 is needed. Where is the guaranteed price, embedded in law and implemented?

¶ 04 Input and production costs — seed, inputs, fertiliser, fuel, equipment — mean that Rs. 120 does not ensure a fair return. We need a clear program to strengthen small and medium millers to break monopolies. Today many SMEs are in distress; the Government must support them. Manage key actors along the paddy–rice value chain and implement a proper dryer system.

¶ 05 There is also a large shortage of certified seed paddy: the State and private sector supply only around 16%; we must raise this to at least 25% and drive variety development. We are slow in applying modern agri-tech, including drones. We need a national program to uplift agriculture and target export competitiveness like the Netherlands. Fertiliser subsidies must be adequate and timely across Urea, MOP, TSP and agro-chemicals, with real financial strength to farmers.

¶ 06 Storage is weak: though 350,000 MT capacity exists, we must expand and manage like the large millers — the State sector too should build capacity. Human–elephant conflict still lacks a sustainable solution; both human and elephant lives are lost; there is no proper crop insurance or adequate compensation.

¶ 07 Finally, we need a national agricultural plan — from seed and inputs to production and marketing. Our rice production is 2.8 million MT while need is 2.4 million MT, yet we still import rice. That is a national tragedy. Let Government policy statements move beyond paper to ground reality.

¶ 08 Until then, we stand to protect the rights of the millions of farmers. Thank you.