The Yala season paddy harvest is now in full swing across several areas in the Ampara District, with farmers reporting higher yields compared to previous seasons.
Harvesting is actively underway in the Nintavur, Sammanthurai, Pottuvil, Addalaichenai, Akkaraipattu, Alayadivembu, Thirukkovil, and Irakkamam Divisional Secretariat areas.
Farmers cultivating white rice report average yields of 130 to 140 bushels per acre, while red rice cultivators are recording 100 to 110 bushels per acre. The good weather conditions have contributed to these improved harvest outcomes.
However, the increase in supply has caused paddy prices to decline. Initially, a 66 kg bag of white rice paddy fetched around Rs. 6,500, but prices have now dipped to Rs. 6,200. Similarly, the price of red rice paddy, which started at Rs. 6,900, has decreased to Rs. 6,500 per bag.
The widespread use of combine harvesters, which can harvest 8 to 10 acres per day, has eliminated the need for manual labour in the fields. Several harvesters are now in operation across the district.
Despite the overall success, some areas such as Arakotty and Eripantham reported a decline in yields due to blight and leaf-roll diseases affecting the paddy crops.
Farmers remain optimistic about the season and hope that the yields will help stabilize their livelihoods, even as they contend with market price fluctuations.
