The price of Nadu rice has exceeded the government-set control price, now retailing at over Rs. 230 per kilogram, while the maximum retail price remains at Rs. 220. This surge, reported by the Maradagahamula Rice Producers’ Association, is attributed to a shortage of Nadu paddy.
B.K. Ranjith, Chairman of the association, expressed concerns about the rising prices. In response, M.M. Naimudeen, Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, confirmed that investigations are ongoing to address the issue. He noted that recent Nadu paddy harvests have been of high quality, suggesting an artificial market shortage.
Naimudeen also shows that discussions are taking place with large-scale rice mill owners to mitigate the situation. Additionally, the ministry plans to purchase Nadu paddy through Sathosa, convert it into rice, and ensure its availability in the market.
