The government has started the 2026 Yala season paddy procurement programme, with a target of purchasing 39,500 metric tonnes of paddy.

Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that 25 metric tonnes of paddy worth around Rs. 3 million were purchased on the first day of the programme.

The Paddy Marketing Board is conducting purchases through 148 storage facilities, with purchases currently limited to 2,500 kilograms per farmer.