FINANCIAL CHRONICLE — The Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) of Sri Lanka is set to commence its procurement of Yala season paddy starting July 13. The purchasing rates have been established at 120 rupees per kilogram for Nadu variety, 130 rupees for Samba, and 140 rupees for Keeri Samba, according to PMB Chairman Manjula Pinnalanda.
The initial buying operations will take place in the Ampara and Ruhuna regions, along with select areas in the Mullaitivu and Trincomalee Districts within the Northern and Eastern Provinces, where harvesting activities are already underway. Purchasing in additional locations is slated to begin on July 20.
Pinnalanda emphasized the board’s commitment to commence procurement on the 13th to bolster the national buffer stock. He noted that the PMB plans to execute these operations through a network of 143 warehouse facilities.
Officials have indicated that a robust harvest is anticipated this season. To manage the expected supply, the PMB will utilize its own storage facilities, as well as those sourced from the Department of Agrarian Development, the Mahaweli Authority, and the Food Commissioner’s office. Given that some warehouses still contain stock from recent government rice imports, discussions are underway to potentially use private sector and Co-operative Society warehouses if state storage becomes insufficient.
The government has allocated 6 billion rupees directly to the PMB, with an additional 10 billion rupees to be made available via state banks through a concessionary interest loan scheme. This initiative aims to assist small and medium-sized rice mill owners in procuring and storing paddy. Furthermore, eligible Co-operative Societies will also be incorporated into the loan program this season, as reported by officials.
Private millers have committed to matching the government’s established prices, provided the quality of the produce adheres to set standards. The PMB’s procurement criteria stipulate a moisture content of 14 percent or lower, along with a maximum of 9 percent chaff and impurities.
Pinnalanda remarked, “If the private sector also engages in stocking paddy and complies with these standards, it will help stabilize the market.” He stressed that maintaining the rice supply chain is a shared responsibility that requires collective efforts.
Saman Palitha Bandara, Deputy General Manager of PMB, highlighted that the simultaneous operation of state procurement and private buying creates a vital market dynamic across 17 districts. He stated, “Once we open the state warehouses, it compels the private sector to purchase at or above that benchmark price.” This mechanism ensures that farmers receive a stable price in a timely manner.
The government has urged the agricultural community to uphold strict quality standards throughout this process. (Colombo/Jul10/2026)
