The Hon. Namal Karunaratne

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, I reply:

¶ 02 (a) (i) Yes. The living conditions of farmers engaged in crop production must be uplifted. (ii) Yes. As per the Department of Agriculture’s Cost of Production Survey Report (2023/24 Maha), the average per-hectare costs include a significant labour component: - Paddy: approx. Rs. 340,000 per ha; labour ~33% - Potato: approx. Rs. 325,000 per ha; labour ~34% - Big onion: approx. Rs. 1.2 million per ha; labour ~54% - Green chilli: approx. Rs. 805,000 per ha; labour ~50% - Red onion: approx. Rs. 1.6 million per ha; labour ~29% (iii) As per the same sources (2023/24 Maha), indicative net profit per hectare (varies by conditions): - Paddy (irrigated): ~Rs. 157,000 per ha; lower in rainfed - Potato: ~Rs. 142,000 per ha - Big onion: ~Rs. 2.1 million per ha - Green chilli: ~Rs. 2.0 million per ha - Red onion: ~Rs. 1.0 million per ha These are indicative, not absolute. (iv) No (prices have stabilized recently). Based on Colombo CPI food group monthly indices (base 2013), food prices rose ~50% from 2014 to Q1 2021; doubled from Q1 2021 to Q1 2024 due to the economic crisis; then fell ~10% from Q1 to Q4 2024; a ~4% uptick at end-2024; no significant volatility up to end-Q1 2025. Detailed tables are placed in the Library. (v) In open market systems, multiple intermediaries (collectors, transporters, wholesalers in producing and consuming areas, commission agents, retailers) provide services for profit and create direct/indirect jobs. Without them, farmer-to-consumer delivery would be difficult. Online/direct channels have fewer intermediaries. (vi) Yes, farmers should have a profitable and convenient livelihood. The Ministry and Department are acting to raise productivity, introduce new technologies and varieties, ensure quality seed, strengthen co-operatives, expand cold storage and local packing centres, improve infrastructure, and promote marketing channels with fewer intermediaries. A structured programme has been prepared and is being implemented to address these issues.