Government to purchase 120,000 tonnes of paddy

Colombo (News1st): The Paddy Marketing Board has announced that they will begin purchasing paddy for the yala season from the 4th of August. Chairman of the board, Upali Mohotti addressing a media briefing today noted that they expect to purchase up to 120,000 metric tonnes of paddy during this yala season. Mohotti noted that the Cabinet of Ministers has already granted approval to allocate the necessary funds to the Paddy Marketing Board. Meanwhile subject minister Mahinda Amarawewera revealed that a special program has been drawn up to purchase paddy directly this season. The Department of Agriculture believes that farmers will be able to reap a total harvest of 1.4mn metric tonnes of paddy this season.