According to the Secretary, the comprehensive website www.pmb.gov.lk besides having general information on the Paddy Marketing Board functioning under the Ministry of Food Security, contains information on current paddy purchase programme of the Government on district basis. The Names, National Identity Card Number of the farmers from whom the paddy is purchased, the Names of Purchasing Centres, Variety.and Quantity of Paddy purchased and amounts paid are given in the Website.
The Website, which is updated at regular intervals provides most recent information on the programme.
Currently, paddy is being purchased at 145 dedicated centres situated across major paddy producing areas and operationalized by the Paddy Marketing Board. Additionally, mobile operations are also being undertaken for the convenience of farmers in faraway locations.
The new Website and online reporting system ensure greater transparency and integrity of the paddy purchase programme. The Government through the Bank of Ceylon and People's Bank has set aside a sum of Rs. 6,000 Million for the Programme, which is a record intervention in a 'Yala' harvesting Season. It is. estimated to purchase 120,000 MT of paddy during this season.
As in the case of 'Maha' Season, farmers will be paid Rs. 50/- per Kg for 'Keeri Samba' and 'Samba' varieties of paddy and Rs. 45/- per Kg for 'Nadu' variety of paddy.
A Hotline to register public complaints, if any, on the programme is also operationalized. Any aggrieved member of the public could lodge complaints to Telephone No. 011-2335411, 011- 2335414 or fax same to 011-2335410.
