The Special Commodity Levy on a kilogram of imported potatoes will be increased by Rs.15 from tomorrow, the Ministry of Finance and Planning said.

It said a much better potato harvest by local farmers since January was the reason why the levy was increased so that they would be assured of a reasonable price for their potatoes.

The Special Commodity Levy on imported potatoes was increased from Rs.10. to Rs.25

“With the increase in the Special Commodity Levy we expect the local farmers to get a bigger profit by selling a kilo of potatoes at between Rs.75 and Rs.80 at the point of harvesting,” the ministry said.

It said the increase would be in the best interest of local farmers while having a minimum effect on consumers.

“We expect about 150,000 metric tonnes of potatoes this year and the government is planning to make the country self-sufficient in potatoes by 2016,” the ministry said. (Chaturanga Pradeep)