Sri Lankan farmers warn of losses under new big onion procurement standards

Pressure is growing among big onion farmers in Sri Lanka as the government moves forward with a purchase program that requires produce to meet 17 quality conditions. The buyback will be handled through Lanka Sathosa Ltd. at a fixed price of Rs. 140 per kilogram (≈ USD 0.44/kg), with a limit of 2,000 kg (≈ USD 880 total per farmer).

The procurement standards specify that onion bulbs should generally range between 35 mm and 65 mm in diameter. A standard kilogram should contain around eight bulbs, and only up to 10% of the stock may fall outside the approved size range. Officials say these criteria are essential to ensure resalable quality and prevent post-purchase losses.

But farmers in Matale, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa argue that the size specifications and the 2,000-kg cap do not reflect real harvest conditions. Many say that even when the bulk of their produce meets the requirements, they are left with unsold quantities that are now at risk of spoiling in storage, reducing their income.

Lanka Sathosa chairman Samitha Perera has stated that the purchases will continue only if the produce aligns with the stipulated conditions, emphasizing the need to protect the state’s resale capacity.

Farmer organizations are now calling for more flexible grading criteria or increased procurement limits to prevent crop loss and support local producers.

source: srilankamirror.com

photo: dailymirror.lk