Sri Lanka, Feb. 9 -- Farmers' organizations have warned of launching a protest if the government does not raise the recently announced paddy certified price.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne stated that while buyers may purchase paddy at a higher price, the government will not allow an increase in rice prices.

The government has set the certified price at Rs. 120 per kilo for Nadu, Rs. 125 for Samba, and Rs. 132 for Keeri Samba. However, farmers argue that these prices are inadequate.

Although some government warehouses have been opened for paddy purchases, others remain locked. Farmers in Polpithigama say selling to private mill owners is more profitable than accepting the government's rate.

In Dighavapiya, harvesting...