Over 128,000 mt tons of paddy to be milled

Suraj A Bandara

The government has decided to mill 128,000 mt tons of the paddy stock purchased during the last Maha season by the Paddy Marketing Board, to curb soaring rice prices.

The processed paddy will be provided to the three Forces, prisons and Samurdhi holders. The Government expects a bumper paddy harvest in the upcoming Yala season as many paddy lands have been cultivated in the country.

With the arrival of North and East paddy harvest, the government has planned to maintain a buffer stock of paddy in the upcoming season.

The government said these stocks will be issued to Sathosa retail outlets and co-operative sales outlets to keep rice prices stable.

The decision will encourage local farmers and prevent the import of rice to meet the local demands.