Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka
2026-03-04
Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka challenged the Deputy Minister over the Paddy Marketing Board's (PMB) planned procurement level of 2.11 per cent, asserting this figure is insufficient to adequately support farmers. He further raised concerns about unresolved compensation for partial crop damage following Cyclone "8960" and delays in fertilizer subsidies. He pressed the Deputy Minister with two specific demands: a commitment to compensate farmers for partial crop losses, and an assurance that fertilizer support will be delivered in time for the next cultivation season.
Deputy Minister, you yourself said 2.11 per cent is all the PMB plans to buy; that is clearly inadequate. Further, after the “8960” cyclone, there has been no clarity on compensation for partial crop damage, and fertilizer subsidies have been delayed. Will you compensate for partial losses, and will you ensure timely fertilizer support at least by the next season?