Sri Lanka's paddy procurement programme has surpassed its initial target, with the Paddy Marketing Board purchasing over 46,000 metric tonnes during the Yala season, according to government officials.
The government has acquired more than 46,000 metric tonnes of paddy through its ongoing procurement initiative, exceeding the originally forecasted target of approximately 39,500 metric tonnes, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne announced on Wednesday. The paddy purchasing programme for the Yala season began operations on July 13, with the Paddy Marketing Board establishing collection centres in regions with the highest harvest volumes.
The procurement effort has now expanded to include purchases made through rice mills and agricultural cooperatives, with direct state participation in the transactions. This diversification of purchasing channels represents an evolution in the government's approach to securing the harvest from farmers across the country.
Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa echoed the Deputy Minister's comments, confirming that paddy acquisitions have surpassed the initial projections. Officials indicated that the purchasing programme remains active, suggesting further quantities may be collected in the coming period.