Rice prices to decrease further

18 July 2011 08:48 am

By Yohan Perera

Paddy and rice prices are expected to decrease further next week with more stocks coming into the market, the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute spokesman S.A.C.U. Senanayake said

He said the nearly all varieties of rice now cost less with the average price of a kilo of Kekulu rice ranging between Rs. 50 and Rs.60 while a kilo of Nivdu rice costs between Rs.58 and Rs.65. Other varieties including Basmanthi and Keeri Samba had also decreased in price with a kilo of Basmathi costing between Rs.80 and Rs.100 while a kilo of Keeri Samba costs between Rs.115 and Rs. 120.

Mr. Senanayake said rice prices in the outstation lower that than the prices in Colombo and added that paddy from the Yala harvest is expected by end July.

He said the extent of the Yala harvest could not be predicted just yet but when asked about the effect of the arsenic scare said it had not affected the prices.