• Nadu to remain at Rs. 120, Samba to be hiked by Rs. 5 to Rs. 130, Keeri Samba by Rs. 8 to Rs. 140

Steps have been taken to increase the price of paddy starting from the upcoming season, the Deputy Agriculture Minister Namal Karunaratne stated. He noted that a decision has also been taken to increase the prices of Samba and Keeri Samba varieties of paddy. However, he emphasised that there will be no increase in rice prices. He stated: “We have already brought up the matter of revising paddy prices. Especially, the price of Nadu paddy remains at Rs. 120. The price of Samba paddy will be increased from Rs. 125 to Rs. 130, and Keeri Samba from Rs. 132 to Rs. 140, benefiting the farmers.” He noted that farmers will be able to sell their paddy at new rates from the upcoming season itself. 

He further stated that although in previous years a rice mafia had been active during this period, the authorities have taken steps to prevent such a monopoly.

The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal to increase the minimum purchasing prices for Samba and Keeri Samba paddy varieties with the objective of increasing production in the upcoming seasons. During last year’s (2025) Yala Season, the Paddy Marketing Board purchased one kilogram (kg) of Nadu, Samba and Keeri Samba at prices of Rs. 120, Rs. 125 and Rs. 132, respectively. Meanwhile, the Food Policy and Security Committee appointed by the Agriculture Ministry Secretary has recommended that the current minimum purchasing prices of these paddy varieties be revised in order to encourage farmers. Based on this recommendation, the Committee decided to maintain the minimum purchasing price of one kg of Nadu paddy of the prescribed standard at Rs. 120, while increasing the minimum purchasing price of one kg of Samba from Rs. 125 to Rs. 130 and Keeri Samba from Rs. 132 to Rs. 140. Accordingly, the Cabinet has granted approval to implement the revised minimum purchasing prices.