He said that the the country was receiving massive paddy harvests and the government had allocated Rs. 10 billion to purchase paddy during the Maha season. Accordingly, funds would be provided to farmer associations through District Secretariats. Paddy would be purchased at government stipulated prices, making use of over 180 paddy storage facilities in the country, while providing relief for farmers, he added.

He noted Cabinet decision to place stipulated prices for Keeri Samba at Rs. 50 per kilo, Samba at Rs 45 per kilo and Nadu at Rs. 40 per kilo.