Sri Lanka: To impose a levy of Rs. 40 on imported potatoes to protect local farmer
Colombo: The Government has decided to impose a tax of Rs 40 per kilogram of imported potatoes so that local potato farmers get a higher price for their crops, the Agriculture Ministry said.
Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera says the government has taken the measure to protect the local farmer. In the future, similar measures will be taken on corn and onion crops also, he added.
He said the government’s aim is to empower the local farmer and encourage them further for the cultivation of income earning crops.
In the past, when the local potatoes were reaching the market, the local farmers did not earn enough income for their crops since the importers have stocked up on imported potatoes.
Earlier, the importers imported potatoes and stored the stocks before the local potato crop reaches the market and they were buying the local potatoes for very low prices, according to the Minister.
Following a discussion with the farmers, the Minister has obtained the approval of the cabinet of ministers to impose a commodity tax of Rs. 40 per kilogram on imported potatoes.
The Ministry of Agriculture states that a kilogram of local potatoes will be purchased at a price between Rs.140 and Rs.160.
Fuente: http://www.colombopage.com/archive_18B/Aug20_1534738308CH.php
