Govt. says ensuring food security a key policy

Thursday, 23 January 2025 05:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Food Policy and Security Committee chaired by Minister K.D. Lalkantha meets for first time
Prioritises comprehensive data system to guarantee food security
Ensures rice availability for consumption and essential industries such as poultry, egg production and beer manufacturing

Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha

Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe

To address policy decisions related to ensuring food security, the Food Policy and Security Committee, chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha, along with Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, convened a meeting for the first time yesterday.

The primary objective of the Food Policy and Security Committee is to take necessary actions to implement the Government’s policy of ensuring a safe, secure and sustainable food system for all citizens.

During the meeting, it was emphasised that accurate data and information are essential for making informed policy decisions related to food security. The Government highlighted that it is unwilling to take risks by making decisions without reliable data. Consequently, establishing a robust data and information system has been identified as a top priority.

The Minister of Agriculture further highlighted the need to provide rice not only for direct consumption but also as an essential resource for industries such as poultry, egg production and beer manufacturing, all of which contribute to human consumption. He stressed the importance of considering these needs in the implementation of the Government’s progressive agricultural policies.

Additionally, the Minister emphasised the necessity of studying the country’s food consumption patterns to foster a healthier population and minimise food waste. He advised committee members to take appropriate steps in this regard.

Several key areas were discussed, including the establishment of a national food security policy framework, the maintenance of an essential food information system, the formulation of new strategies aligned with internationally recognised standards and the development of plans to increase and distribute local production based on scientific evidence. The discussions also addressed food security, food pricing and market management. The meeting was attended by committee members, including Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, and other ministerial secretaries.