Colombo (News 1st); The government of Sri Lanka aims to purchase 300,000 Metric Tonnes of paddy from 370,000 farmers in Ampara, Batticaloa, Killinochchi, and several other areas.

According to a statement from the Government Information Department in 2020, a total of 848,000 farmers cultivated paddy across 1.671 million acres of land with an expected harvest of 2.8 Million Metric Tonnes.

The Cabinet of Ministers already granted approval to purchase standard Nadu at a price of Rs. 50.00 per kg of paddy with 14% moisture and Rs. 44.00 per kg of paddy with 14% -22% moisture.

Cabinet also approved to purchase standard Samba at a price of Rs. 52.00 per kg of paddy with a14% moisture and Rs. 46,00 per kg of paddy with 14% -22% moisture.

The Government Information Department stated a farmer incurs a cost of Rs. 28/- to produce 01 kilograms of paddy and the government of Sri Lanka will make purchases from farmers who cultivate 01 to 02 hectares of land using the government fertilizer subsidy.

Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage speaking to reporters on Thursday (07) noted the paddy purchasing program will commence in January 2021 from Ampara.

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