Imports of alternatives to fill Keeri Samba shortage View(s):As underground market thrives, farmers blame lack of government cultivation planBy Nidarshani WickramasingheA shortage of Keeri Samba and complaints of prices exceeding Rs 350 a kilogram have emerged ahead of the biggest cultural festival this month. As a solution to the shortage of Samba and Keeri Samba, the Food Policy and Security Committee has focused on importing alternative rice varieties. Since Keeri Samba is cultivated only in Sri Lanka, it is not possible to import it. In Pannipitiya, a consumer said there was evidence to suggest that the milling of Keeri Samba was continuing. So, proper Keeri Samba rice should also be openly available in the market.

Source: Sunday Times April 04, 2026 18:50 UTC