Sri Lanka, Feb. 6 -- Agriculture Lands Livestock and Irrigation Minister K. D. Lalkantha yesterday said the Government, through the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB), will pay farmers for paddy.

Speaking at a press conference the Minister said that the Government will pay Rs.120 per kilogramme for Nadu paddy, Rs.125 per kilogramme for Samba paddy and Rs.132 per kilogramme for Keeri Samba paddy. Minister Lalkantha stated that Rs. 5 billion has been allocated from the treasury for the purchase of paddy, with a portion of these funds directed to the Ministry of Agriculture.

He further explained that the funds received by the Ministry for the purchase of paddy will be directed to the PMB as needed. Additionally, based on demand, more funds will b...