The government is taking steps to introduce a series of new measures aimed at preventing fraud and irregularities in the paddy purchasing process while ensuring farmers receive the guaranteed price for their harvest.
The proposals were discussed at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, chaired by Minister K.D. Lalkantha.
During the meeting, attention was focused on strengthening the paddy procurement system, improving efficiency in purchases under the government’s guaranteed price scheme, preventing malpractice and safeguarding fair prices for farmers.
Meanwhile, the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) officially commenced paddy procurement for the 2026 Yala season yesterday.
Under the government’s guaranteed pricing scheme, Nadu paddy is being purchased at Rs. 120 per kilogram, Samba at Rs. 130 per kilogram, and Keeri Samba at Rs. 140 per kilogram.
PMB Chairman Manjula Pinnalanda said procurement operations have begun by opening collection centres in areas currently recording peak harvests. He noted that purchases are being carried out through 143 storage facilities, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces where harvesting is already underway.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne said paddy purchasing centres have already been established in Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Weerawila. He added that additional centres will be opened in Hambantota and Monaragala by July 15, with more collection points to be introduced in other harvesting areas as the season progresses.
The Deputy Minister also encouraged farmers to make use of the designated purchasing centers to sell their paddy under the government’s procurement program.
