The golden fields of paddy, once symbols of abundance and hope, are now a stark reminder of the struggles faced by farmers and the challenges of a broken system. Despite some government efforts to stabilize the rice market, the lack of a guaranteed price for paddy purchases during this Maha season continues to haunt farmers.
NPP Namal Karunarathna, a prominent farmer leader turned Deputy Minister, and many others who were supported by the community of farmers now find them in the eye of a storm.
A Long-Standing Problem
Farmers across the country are grappling with uncertainty. The government has yet to announce official guaranteed prices for various paddy varieties, leaving private traders to dominate the market. With moist paddy being bought for Rs. 150 to Rs. 170 per kilogram, many farmers are compelled to sell to these traders, who offer instant payments without the red tape of government procurement.
Karunarathna, who once stood on the frontlines of farmer protests demanding fair prices, now sits on the other side of the table. As Deputy Minister, he is tasked with delivering the very promises he once fought for. But his new role has exposed him to the complexities of governance, where delivering solutions is far harder than articulating demands.
The Persistence of Private Traders
Farmers, especially those burdened with debt, find private traders to be a lifeline. These traders not only pay promptly but also spare farmers the laborious task of drying and processing their paddy. While this arrangement provides immediate relief, it also allows traders to reap disproportionate profits. After purchasing raw paddy at Rs. 140 per kilogram, they sell polished rice for Rs. 280 or more—profits that farmers can only dream of.
Karunarathna, as a vocal advocate for farmers in his earlier days, often called out this exploitative system. But now, his ability to address the issue is constrained by the slow-moving machinery of government. Critics are quick to point out the irony: the man who once led rallies against inefficiency now struggles to bring about meaningful reforms from within.
Government Procurement Still Fails Farmers
Government paddy procurement remains riddled with problems. Long delays, insufficient quotas, and bureaucratic hurdles deter farmers from selling their produce to state agencies. Despite government assurances, farmers argue that the system remains unfriendly and inefficient. “We cannot wait for the government to decide a fair price,” says a farmer from Walawa. “Private buyers are our only option.”
Karunarathna, well aware of these grievances, has made public promises to overhaul the procurement process. Yet, his efforts are met with skepticism. Farmer associations question whether the Deputy Minister’s influence will be enough to push through meaningful changes. His role, they argue, is symbolic unless backed by action.
Small-Scale Rice Mills Under Pressure
The plight of small and medium-scale rice mill owners adds another layer to the crisis. With moist paddy prices hovering around Rs. 115–120 per kilogram, mill owners are struggling to compete with larger players. The government’s loan scheme, intended to help these millers purchase moist paddy at Rs. 95 per kilogram and dry paddy at Rs. 115 per kilogram, has fallen short. Rising costs and competition from private traders make survival increasingly difficult for small-scale millers.
Karunarathna has pledged to support these mill owners as part of his broader plan to stabilize the rice market. However, implementing such policies requires navigating a labyrinth of vested interests and bureaucratic delays.
The Weight of Expectations
For Karunarathna, the transition from farmer activist to Deputy Minister has been anything but smooth. Once a firebrand leader who rallied thousands with impassioned speeches, he now faces the harsh reality of policymaking. His calls for a guaranteed price, which were once met with cheers, are now met with demands for immediate action.
The Deputy Minister has repeatedly assured farmers that the government will announce a fair and guaranteed price soon. But the delay in action has eroded trust. “We believed in him when he stood with us as a farmer. Now that he’s in power, we expect him to deliver,” says a farmer from Kurunegala. “If he can’t, who will?”
A Balancing Act
Karunarathna is caught between two worlds. On one hand, he understands the frustrations of farmers, having lived their struggles firsthand. On the other, he is now part of a government that operates within constraints—financial, political, and procedural. His efforts to bridge this divide have been met with mixed results.
Opposition parties have seized on his struggles, accusing him of failing to stand by his principles. “Namal Karunarathna is learning that shouting slogans is easier than implementing policies,” said one critic during a parliamentary debate. Supporters, however, argue that he needs more time to effect meaningful change.
A Glimmer of Hope?
Despite the challenges, Karunarathna remains determined. He has proposed measures to streamline procurement, ensure timely payments, and set guaranteed prices that reflect production costs. While progress has been slow, some see his persistence as a sign of hope.
In a recent address to farmer associations, he said, “I am one of you. I know your struggles because I have lived them. I will not rest until we have a system that guarantees fairness for farmers and ensures that our country’s food security is protected.”
