Written by Jiffry• July 13, 2026• 11:17 am• News • Views: 18

Paddy Marketing Board Starts Rs.16 Billion Paddy Purchasing Drive

The procurement program combines guaranteed prices with expanded storage capacity, aiming to protect farmers’ incomes during the Yala harvest while maintaining a stable rice supply.

The Government has committed Rs. 16 billion to purchase paddy from farmers this Yala season, combining guaranteed prices with large-scale procurement to support farm incomes and strengthen the country’s rice supply.

The Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) begins purchasing paddy today (13), with buying operations starting in areas where harvesting is already underway.

Procurement Begins in Key Harvesting Areas

The PMB will initially purchase paddy from the Northern Province, Eastern Province and Ampara District, where harvesting has gathered pace.

According to PMB Chairman Manjula Pinnalanda, collection centres are opening in these areas first before expanding to other districts as harvesting progresses.

Farmers Receive Guaranteed Prices

The Government has confirmed guaranteed purchasing prices for the season.

The PMB will buy Nadu paddy at Rs. 120 per kilogram, Samba at Rs. 130 per kilogram, and Keeri Samba at Rs. 140 per kilogram.

The guaranteed prices aim to provide farmers with a reliable market during the peak harvesting period.

Rs.16 Billion Backing the Program

The Government has allocated Rs. 6 billion directly to the PMB for paddy purchases.
It has also arranged an additional Rs. 10 billion through an overdraft facility, bringing the total funding available for procurement to Rs. 16 billion.

The PMB has also prepared 143 storage facilities across the country to support the program.

Support Extends Beyond Farmers

The procurement program is also expected to help small and medium-scale rice millers build their paddy stocks during the harvest season.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agrarian Development will oversee the procurement process to ensure smooth implementation.

The PMB will gradually expand purchasing operations as harvesting begins in more districts. The program is expected to improve market competition, support stable farmgate prices and strengthen paddy supplies for the months ahead.