Colombo, Feb 5 – The government has officially announced the maximum guaranteed price for a kilogram of paddy, setting fixed rates for different paddy varieties under prescribed dry conditions.
According to the new pricing structure:
- Nadu paddy – Rs. 120 per kilogram
- Sambha paddy – Rs. 125 per kilogram
- Keeri Sambha paddy – Rs. 132 per kilogram
These rates apply strictly to paddy that meets the required dryness standards.
The announcement was made during a special media briefing presided over by Agriculture Minister K.D. Lalkantha and Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne. Speaking at the event, Minister Lalkantha emphasized that the Paddy Marketing Board would adhere to these prices when purchasing paddy from farmers.
“We buy only dry paddy. The Nadu Paddy Marketing Board purchases Nadu at Rs. 120 per kilo, Sambha at Rs. 125 per kilo, and Keeri Sambha at Rs. 132 per kilo,” he stated.
He further explained that the pricing decision was based on a thorough assessment of the current market price of rice and the production costs borne by farmers.
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding fair pricing for paddy, with farmer organizations previously advocating for higher rates.
