Sri Lanka, Jan. 1 -- A pledge loan scheme for Small and Medium Scale Paddy Millers and Cooperative Societies, at a concessionary interest rate has been announced to purchase paddy in the 2025/2026 Maha Season.

The Ministry of Finance said in order to maintain a reasonable price for farmers, the loan scheme will be implemented with effect from today (01).

The loan scheme for SME Paddy Millers and Cooperative Societies will be subject to the maximum daily milling capacity of 25MT. All borrowers should have a valid business registration obtained from a relevant government institution, and a licence issued by the Paddy Marketing Board, the Finance Ministry stated.

Under the loan scheme, loans valued up to Rs. 50 million at interest rate of...