Import levy on potatoes and maize increased

The import levy on one kilogram of Potatoes has been increased by 30 rupees, while the import levy on one kilogram of maize has been increased by 20 rupees.

Minister of Agriculture P Harrison said the hike in import levies were imposed with effect from February 1.

Accordingly, the total import levy imposed on a kilogram of potatoes is 50 rupees, while that of a kilogram of maize is 20 rupees.

The levy on imported potatoes has been increased with the intention of safeguarding local farmers as potato crops from Jaffna and other districts will enter the market soon.