The Government aims to purchase 39,500 metric tons of paddy during the 2026 Yala cultivation season, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced on Tuesday (14).
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Jayatissa said the Government’s paddy purchasing programme commenced on Monday (13), with the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) purchasing 25 metric tons of paddy worth approximately Rs. 3 million on the first day.
He said the Government currently plans to purchase up to 2,500 kilograms of paddy from each farmer, although the limit may be reviewed as the procurement programme progresses depending on demand and operational requirements.
According to the Minister, paddy will be procured through 148 storage facilities operated by the Paddy Marketing Board across the country.
Jayatissa added that if the Board’s existing storage capacity is insufficient, the Government will temporarily lease private warehouses to accommodate the paddy purchased under the programme, ensuring uninterrupted procurement during the harvest season.