The Cabinet of Ministers approved Agriculture Minister, Mahindananda Aluthgamage’s proposal to implement the Paddy Purchasing Programme of the Maha Cultivation Season yesterday, January 5.
The Government Information Department said the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) will purchase paddy at guaranteed prices and minimise the unexpected fall in paddy prices. Paddy harvesting is scheduled for the 2020/21 Maha season from the second week of January.
Cabinet approval has been granted to purchase standard Nadu at a price of Rs. 50 per kg of paddy with 14% moisture and Rs. 44 per kg of paddy with 14 per cent at 22% moisture.
Standard Samba will be purchased at Rs. 52 per kg of paddy with 14% moisture and Rs. 46 per kg of paddy with 14% to 22% moisture.
With regard to small and large scale irrigated farmers, who receive the fertilizer subsidy, the PMB will purchase paddy according to the extent of cultivated land.
At least 1,000 Kg will be purchased from farmers who cultivate between 1 to 1.5 hectares and 1,500kg will be purchased from farmers who cultivate up to 2 hectares.
