Sri Lanka to Commence Yala Season Paddy Procurement on July 15

Paddy procurement for the Yala season is scheduled to commence on July 15, as harvesting is currently underway. President's Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has instructed Ministry of Agriculture officials to expedite the process, including clearing existing warehouse stocks and preparing for the new harvest in collaboration with Sathosa. The Treasury has allocated Rs. 6 billion for the procurement, with an additional Rs. 10 billion designated by state banks as loans for small and medium-scale mill owners. These directives were issued following a discussion on paddy procurement held on July 7, aiming to support farmers cultivating approximately 475,000 hectares this season.