The Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) has incurred a loss of Rs 7.152 billion from 2009 to 2014, the PMB Chairman Upali Mohotti said. He said the measures have been taken under the present Government to make the PMB a viable institution.
The PMB Chairman made these observations at a progress review meeting held under the patronage of Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera regarding the progress and the future activities of the PMB.
The Chairman noting that the PMB was operating at a continued loss during the past period explained that the reason for the loss incurred by the Board was the supply of rice free of charge to Somalia during this period and also due to a decision to provide a large stock of paddy to the private sector as animal feed.
While outlining the main programs that have already been mooted to make the Paddy Marketing Board as an income earning establishment, the official said there are plans to sell paddy at relief rates within the next two months.
The Paddy Marketing Board Chairman also referred to the main steps taken to launch 225 centers for the purchase of 20,000 metric tons of paddy countrywide during the Yala season.
Minister Amaraweera said the PMB expects to create a competitive position in the market so that the farmers will be able to sell their paddy at a steady price.
