The government has decided to provide 50 modern paddy drying machines to cooperative societies across the country with each machine reportedly capable of drying nearly 10 metric tonnes of paddy per day.

Accordingly, the government has allocated Rs. 500 million in decentralized funds to supply the machines, each valued at approximately Rs. 10 million, to active and financially stable cooperative societies.

The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development said cooperative societies requiring paddy dryers may apply by submitting a proper project proposal.

The ministry noted that the initiative will enable farmers to sell their harvest to cooperative societies at better prices, while cooperative members will also have convenient access to the drying facilities for their paddy.

It further stated that Sri Lanka recorded a record paddy harvest during the previous Maha cultivation season, while extensive cultivation has also taken place during the ongoing Yala season. As a result, there is no likelihood of a rice shortage in the country.

Meanwhile, the government has begun expediting the purchase of paddy from farmers at fair prices by reopening all warehouses belonging to the Paddy Marketing Board and coordinating with Lanka Sathosa and other state institutions.

The ministry said strengthening the government's paddy purchasing mechanism is expected to promote fair competition in the market, ensure consumers have access to rice at affordable prices, and encourage the private sector to offer fair prices to farmers.