Sri Lanka, July 15 -- Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne stated that the government has announced a minimum price for paddy, not a guaranteed price, allowing farmers to sell their produce at a higher price if they wish.

The Yala season paddy harvest has now begun in several districts across the country.

The Paddy Marketing Board has allocated 6 billion rupees to purchase paddy this Yala season.

Purchases will be made according to the price regulation set during the 2024-2025 Maha season.

Under this scheme, Nadu paddy will be purchased at 120 rupees per kilogram, Samba paddy at 125 rupees per kilogram, and Keeri Samba paddy at 132 rupees per kilogram.

However, paddy farmers are requesting the government to provide a fair...