The state-run retail chain Lanka Sathosa says it does not measure the size of big onions when purchasing them from farmers through its regional collection centres.
Commenting on reports that onion consignments were being assessed by bulb size, Head of the Quality Assurance Division, Lahiru Samanga, said that
Sathosa officials relied solely on visual inspection during the buying process and did not take any round or diameter measurements.
“There are reports that we measure the onions, but they are incorrect. Our standards only mention the diameter of onions. However, in practice, our officers only inspect visually. No purchases have been rejected on the basis of size at any collection centre,” Samanga said.
Lanka Sathosa recently launched a programme to purchase big onions directly from farmers struggling to dispose of their produce. The initiative, however, drew criticism from several farmer groups over a clause in the 17-point procurement guideline specifying that onion bulbs should measure between 35mm and 65mm in diameter with about eight bulbs per kilo.
Some farmers complained that much of their produce did not meet the stated size requirement and feared rejection.
Addressing those concerns, Sathosa officials stressed that no consignments have been rejected based on size, and that the procurement process is continuing smoothly across collection centres.
Sathosa said its main goal was to stabilise market prices and ensure farmers receive fair value for their produce while maintaining quality standards for consumers.