📈 Government Approves Processing of 30,000 Tons of PMB Paddy into Rice

• Overall Action: The Cabinet has approved a joint proposal by the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Trade to convert 30,000 tons of paddy Marketing Board (PMB) stocks into processed rice. • Procurement & Processing Details: • The Co-operative Wholesale Establishment (CWE) will call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from PMB-registered rice millers. • A multi-agency Special Price Committee will set the official paddy-to-rice conversion ratio and final pricing. • Market Distribution: • Rice will be packaged in 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg, and 50 kg sizes. • Supply will be distributed to consumers via Lanka Sathosa outlets, cooperative networks, and private retail channels. • Economic Impact: The move aims to stabilize market food security, release existing stocks to consumers, and create crucial storage capacity for upcoming national paddy procurement initiatives.