President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the government plans to expand the rice market by promoting the production of value-added rice-based products.

He said the move, made possible after lifting restrictions on using rice for non-food products, aims to create greater demand for paddy, increase market competition and ensure better prices for farmers.

The government plans to encourage the use of rice in products including animal feed, beer, wine, biscuits and cakes.