Sri Lanka, July 2 -- The Yala season harvest has officially commenced, and the government is set to begin purchasing paddy from farmers through its warehouses starting tomorrow (July 3).

According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Namal Karunaratne, the decision was made following a joint discussion with the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB). The paddy purchasing initiative will be rolled out in Ampara, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and parts of the Northwestern and Southern regions.

The Paddy Marketing Board has allocated Rs. 600 million for the procurement process. As per the announced prices:

Nadu paddy will be purchased at Rs. 120 per kilo

Samba paddy at Rs. 125 per kilo

Keeri Samba at Rs. 132 per kil...