PMB Purchases 305 Metric Tons of Paddy in First Four Days of Procurement Programme
The Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) has purchased 305 metric tons of paddy during the first four days of its nationwide paddy purchasing programme, according to PMB Chairman Manjula Pinnalanda.
Speaking on the progress of the programme, Pinnalanda said the Ampara District recorded the highest volume of paddy purchases since the initiative began.
In addition to Ampara, the PMB has procured paddy from the Northern and Southern Provinces, as well as the districts of Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, and Hambantota.
More Storage Facilities Opened
The PMB has so far opened 43 paddy storage facilities to receive harvests from farmers, while another 143 warehouses have been prepared to support the procurement programme and increase storage capacity.
Guaranteed Paddy Prices
Under the government’s guaranteed price scheme, the Paddy Marketing Board is purchasing paddy at the following rates:
- Nadu paddy – Rs. 120 per kilogram
- Samba paddy – Rs. 130 per kilogram
- Keeri Samba – Rs. 140 per kilogram
The government launched the procurement programme to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their harvest while maintaining adequate national paddy stocks and supporting food security.
The PMB is expected to continue expanding its purchasing operations as harvesting progresses across major paddy-growing regions of the country.
Read more articles like this on www.srilankanpost.com
