According to Paddy Marketing Board Chairman Manjula Pinnalanda, paddy harvesting has already begun in many parts of the country. As a result, procurement operations will initially focus on areas recording the highest harvests, with paddy storage facilities being opened accordingly.
A total of 143 storage centers located across the island will be used to purchase paddy from farmers during the procurement drive.
The Chairman further stated that discussions have been held to utilize nearby private-sector warehouses if the storage capacity of the Paddy Marketing Board's facilities is reached. He added that several rice mill owners and private institutions have agreed to provide their warehouse facilities free of charge to support the procurement process.
