Government launches Yala paddy purchase scheme via rice mills

The government has rolled out a paddy purchase programme targeting the Yala cultivation season, with transactions to be conducted through small and medium-scale rice mills across the country. The scheme aims to provide farmers with reliable market access for their produce while strengthening the domestic rice milling sector.

By directing paddy procurement through local and mid-sized mills rather than large commercial operators, the programme is designed to distribute economic benefits more broadly across rural communities. The initiative supports both farmers seeking guaranteed buyers for their harvest and smaller milling enterprises seeking increased throughput during the season.

The Yala season, typically the second main cultivation period in Sri Lanka's agricultural calendar, presents a critical window for paddy production. Officials have indicated the scheme will help stabilize prices and reduce post-harvest losses that have historically affected farmer incomes during peak supply periods.

The programme represents part of broader government efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains and support the rice industry, a cornerstone of Sri Lanka's food security strategy. Details regarding procurement prices, eligible mills, and registration procedures have been made available through relevant agricultural authorities.