|
Over 185,000 tonnes in PMB stores:
No rice imports under any circumstances
|
Minister Johnston Fernando
|
The Government yesterday stressed that rice would not be imported to
the country under any circumstances as the Paddy Marketing Board has a
stock of over 185,000 tonnes in stores islandwide.
Refuting the claims of a possible rice shortage in the backdrop of
flash floods in many other districts, Trade and Cooperatives Minister
Johnston Fernando stressed that there won't be any rice shortage or
increase in the prices of rice.
He said the Government purchased the largest stock of paddy in the
country's history last year while assuring the best price for farmers.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Ministry, the Minister added that
PMB recorded a profit of Rs. 150 million in 2009 despite the loss
amounting to Rs. 14 million in 2008.
He said the Government has initiated a program to maintain a stock of
all essential items sufficient for three months in the event of the
imminent food shortage in the world.
The Minister was of the view that the prices of B'onions and many
more items are on the increase with the inflow of imported B onions and
eggs to the local market. CP
|
