Sri Lanka, Feb. 6 -- The Paddy Marketing Board has announced that it will open its warehouses today to begin purchasing paddy from farmers during this Maha season at the guaranteed prices set by the government.

Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha officially revealed the purchase prices yesterday. According to the announcement, Nadu paddy will be bought at Rs. 120 per kilo, Samba paddy at Rs. 125 per kilo, and Keeri Samba paddy at Rs. 132 per kilo.

Farmers have been expressing concern over the low prices offered by private traders as the Maha season harvesting began several weeks ago. After waiting for the government's guaranteed price to be set, farmer representatives have stated that while the announcement brings relief, the prices re...