The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has officially rescinded the order that prohibited the use of rice and paddy for animal feed production.

According to the latest Gazette notification issued on July 3, 2026 (Order No. 97) under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act No. 09 of 2003 (as amended), the CAA annulled Order No. 84 published in June 2022, which had banned producers, traders, and distributors from selling, stockpiling, transporting, or purchasing rice and paddy for animal feed purposes.

The 2022 order had come into effect on June 24, 2022, and was introduced as part of measures to safeguard food supplies.

With the latest decision, the restrictions imposed on the use of rice and paddy for animal feed have now been lifted. (Newswire)

The post Consumer Affairs Authority rescinds ban on use of rice for animal feed appeared first on Newswire.

Farmers whose fields were damaged by recent heavy rains have been instructed to file loss reports within 14 days at their respective Agrarian Service Centres, the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board announced.

Following assessments, compensation will be provided based on the extent of damage, with payments capped at Rs. 100,000 per hectare for paddy, maize, potatoes, soya, chillies, and big onions. 

Issuing a statement, the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board stated that this scheme is offered free of charge, with no insurance premium required from farmers.

The directive comes after adverse low‑pressure weather conditions submerged cultivated lands in several districts at the start of the 2026 Yala season, damaging crops at their initial stage.

The Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister has instructed the Insurance Board to carry out continuous supervision and ensure maximum benefits reach farmers, underscoring the government’s commitment to stabilizing the rural economy.

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board noted that once floodwaters recede, the full extent of crop damage can be assessed, enabling timely compensation to affected farming communities. (Newswire)

The post Farmers given 14 days to report crop losses from heavy rains appeared first on Newswire.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved an increase in the minimum purchasing prices for Samba and Keeri Samba paddy, following a recommendation by the Price Committee to encourage cultivation of these varieties in upcoming seasons.

During the 2025 Yala season, the Paddy Marketing Board purchased Nadu, Samba and Keeri Samba at Rs. 120, Rs. 125 and Rs. 132 per kilogram, respectively.

The Price Committee, appointed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, reviewed the prices and recommended adjustments to better support farmers and promote production of the higher-value paddy varieties.

Based on the recommendation, the Food Policy and Security Committee decided to maintain the minimum purchasing price of Nadu paddy of prescribed standard at Rs. 120 per kilogram, while increasing the minimum price of Samba from Rs. 125 to Rs. 130 and Keeri Samba from Rs. 132 to Rs. 140 per kilogram. (Newswire)

The post Cabinet approves higher minimum prices for Samba, Keeri Samba paddy appeared first on Newswire.

The Ministry of Finance has announced that a concessionary Pledge Loan Scheme for SME paddy millers and cooperatives will launch on July 1, 2025.

According to the Finance Ministry,  the Pledge Loan Scheme is being implemented to support Yala season paddy purchases. 

Loans up to Rs. 50 million will be available at 7% annual interest, repayable within 180 days, the Finance Ministry added. (Newswire)

The post New concessionary Pledge Loan Scheme for SME paddy millers appeared first on Newswire.

The Civil Security Department (CSD) of the Ministry of Defence harvested approximately 1.6 million kilograms of paddy and cultivated maize on around 305 acres during the Maha season last year.

According to the Defence Ministry, the CSD plays a vital role in the country’s economic development by implementing agricultural projects aimed at ensuring food security in Sri Lanka.

During the Maha season last year, approximately 1.6 million kilograms of paddy were harvested from 4,471 acres of land across various regions on the island, with the labour efforts of CSD personnel. 

This harvest is currently stored in CSD-owned paddy storing yards.

Under the guidance of the Director General of CSD, Major General K.P.P. Fernando (Retd), all CSD-produced paddy is being supplied to the Cooperative Wholesale Trading Corporation at government-controlled prices for the benefit of the people of Sri Lanka.

Additionally, maize has been cultivated on around 305 acres, while harvesting is already underway. 

The Defence Ministry states the CSD continues to make significant contributions to food security in Sri Lanka by cultivating coconut as an economic crop, along with fruits, vegetables and grains such as kurakkan and sesame, which are being released to the market. (Newswire)

The post 1.6 Mn kilos paddy harvested by Civil Security Dept in Maha season appeared first on Newswire.

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to provide fertilizer subsidies for farmers cultivating paddy lands for the 2025 Yala Season. 

The proposal has been presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation.

Accordingly, Rs. 25,000 will be provided per hectare, up to 2 hectares, for paddy cultivation.

A sum of Rs. 15,000 per hectare, up to 2 hectares, will be provided for other field crops cultivated in paddy lands. (Newswire)

The post Fertilizer subsidies for farmers cultivating for Yala Season appeared first on Newswire.

The government has commenced a pledge loan scheme under a concessionary interest rate for Small and Medium-scale (SME) Paddy Millers and Cooperative Societies for purchasing paddy in the 2024/2025 Maha Season, to maintain a reasonable price for farmers.

According to a statement from the Department of Development Finance of the Ministry of Finance, the implementation period of the concessionary loan scheme is 03 January to 15 May 2025. 

The target Group of this loan scheme is Small and Medium-scale (SME) paddy millers and Cooperative Societies, subject to the maximum daily paddy milling capacity of 25MT per day. 

Under this loan scheme, all borrowers can obtain loans at an interest rate of 7% per annum with an amount of Rs.50 million and the respective loan should be repaid within 180 days. 

The total value of the loans to be disbursed by the Banks is Rs. 10,000 million under this loan scheme.

It has also been planned to purchase paddy at a Minimum Purchase Price (MPP) declared by the Department of Agriculture to ensure a reasonable price for paddy harvest by farmers. (Newswire)

The post Maha Season : Concessionary pledge loan scheme for paddy purchasing appeared first on Newswire.

The government is providing a fertilizer subsidy of Rs. 25,000 and free red powder fertilizer for the Maha season, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya informed the Parliament. 

The Prime Minister made the statement, responding to a question raised during yesterday’s parliamentary debate regarding the Government’s programme to provide fertilizer subsidies to farmers.

Addressing the Parliament, PM Amarasuriya said the period for providing fertilizer subsidy to each District is from the 1st of October 2024 to the 1st of February 2025. 

She further said that the fertilizer subsidy of Rs. 25,000 will be provided in two phases, in instalments of Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000, with the first instalment of Rs. 15,000 having already been provided.

The PM also stated that in addition to the financial subsidy provided to farmers cultivating paddy, the Government has planned to provide more than 25000MT of Muriate of Potash (MOP) fertilizer free of charge.

“The Government makes every effort to implement an effective system to meet the fertilizer needs of farmers. Discussions are being held with Organizations of farmers in this regard,” she added. (Newswire)

The post PM briefs Parliament on fertilizer subsidy for farmers appeared first on Newswire.

The proposal to provide fertilizer subsidies to farmers cultivating paddy lands for the 2024/25 Maha Season has received Cabinet approval.

The government states it has observed there is a possibility to ensure food security and increase productivity in the country by providing fertilizer subsidies to the farmers cultivating paddy and other crops in paddy lands. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries to sell fertilizer at a competitive price after importing the fertilizer by the State Fertilizer Company Ltd. and the private sector for the 2024/25 Maha Season

As such, fertilizer is to be provided at a financial subsidy of Rs. 15,000 per hectare for a maximum of two hectares for paddy and other cultivation. (Newswire)

The post Fertilizer subsidies for farmers cultivating for 2024/25 Maha Season appeared first on Newswire.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) together with the Department of Agriculture and the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka with funding from the European Union (EU) recently launched a Farmer Field Schools Programme to train 6,000 smallholder paddy farmers across four key rice-growing districts on sustainable approaches to paddy cultivation.

The 6,000 farmers from Ampara, Badulla, Hambantota and Polonnaruwa districts will be trained by Agriculture Extension Officers on applying the Integrated Plant Nutrient Management (IPNM) approach in their paddy cultivation to promote the efficient use of fertilizers, water and other inputs. 

Issuing a joint statement, the EU and FAO said by adopting IPNM and more efficient use of chemical fertilizers, smallholder paddy farmers can reduce costs and improve productivity, leading to better profitability and resilience to future shocks.

Many paddy farmers in Sri Lanka rely on traditional cultivation methods, often exceeding the recommended amounts of fertilizers provided by the Department of Agriculture without a full understanding of the respective soil nutrient requirements of their fields.

To address these challenges, the Farmer Field School programme will facilitate soil testing and efficient fertilizer use through IPNM practices, emphasizing soil management, compost, and biochar production. The programme will also focus on implementing good agronomic practices including using high-quality seeds, proper land preparation, the parachute method for seed broadcasting, efficient water management, and effective weed, pest, and disease management, all integral components of IPNM practices.

All the above-mentioned activities are being implemented through the project titled ‘RiceUP’, an innovative project launched by FAO together with the government of Sri Lanka with €4 million in funding from the EU to tackle the vulnerability of the food security system in Sri Lanka. The project aims to respond to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka by protecting smallholder farmer livelihoods through the safe and efficient use of fertilizer along with boosting the production of quality paddy seeds for better productivity in paddy farming.

The launch of the Farmer Field Schools comes after 289 Agriculture Extension Officers were trained with the necessary skills and knowledge to guide 6,000 paddy farmers on IPNM practices to enhance yields while reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers. The Agriculture Extension Officers will act as facilitators and work with the selected farmers to adopt appropriate exercises relevant to their local conditions.

Through the implementation of sustainable farming practices, including the safe and efficient use of fertilizer and quality seeds, RiceUP aims to enhance productivity, food security, and livelihoods in Sri Lanka’s paddy farming sector. Together with its partners, FAO remains dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector. (NewsWire)

The post 6,000 Paddy farmers to be trained in sustainable cultivation appeared first on Newswire.

A total of 512,000 hectares of paddy fields were cultivated in the Yala season after a period of 10 years, Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera said.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the minister said this was possible as a result of the new fertilizer policy of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

“80% of the nation’s agricultural production is expected to be produced by 2025 as part of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s strategy to modernize the agricultural industry.

The use of contemporary technologies in agriculture can improve the production of fruits and vegetables intended for export and reduce the number of agricultural crops that are imported”, Minister Amaraweera added.

The minister expressed these views during a press conference themed ‘One Year of Progress’ held at the Presidential Media Centre yesterday (July 17).

The full statement of Minister Mahinda Amaraweera;

Within a year of taking office, President Ranil Wickremesinghe promptly fixed the farmers’ issues and tried to get them back to farming. Without a doubt, the country’s circumstances were dire when President Ranil Wickremesinghe assumed office and I took over the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Farmers protested on the roads demanding fertilizer. The youths of the farming families left the farms and moved to other areas. Some young people even left the country. The biggest issue, in this case, was guiding them back to the farmland. The public had no confidence in the Ministers. Even at the meetings on this problem, the farmers stayed away.

If they wish to return to the fields, they demand to be provided fertilizer. Although 275 000 hectares were supposed to be cultivated in that Yala season only 212, 000 hectares were cultivated. At that time, President Ranil Wickremesinghe negotiated with the Indian Government and arranged to provide 6,500 metric tons of fertilizer under the Indian loan scheme. However, the Indian loan arrangement does not allow for the provision of fertilizers. The fertilizer was imported from Oman. Only after learning that a ship carrying fertilizer was approaching the Port did the farmers venture back to their fields. This allowed for the cultivation of 512 000 hectares. It is now the most cultivated hectares in the Yala season after ten years.

The farmers arrived back at the farmland in this manner. A global food crisis was anticipated at the time, according to the warnings. Despite considerable success during the Yala season, 800,000 metric tons of rice had to be imported due to the fertilizer issue. The amount of rice that the government had to import was 300 million USD. For animal feed, another 100 million USD was invested. The farmers received fuel and financial aid to carry out the required farming tasks. Additionally, steps were taken to give small-scale farmers a supplementary urea fertilizer subsidy. Money was deposited to farmers’ accounts so they could also purchase organic fertilizers.

The Yala season has now begun. After three seasons, measures were taken to make mud fertilizer available without charge. The newly imported urea fertilizer is offered for Rs. 9000. A voucher of Rs.2000 is issued per one hectare to purchase Bundi fertilizer. The farmers have now received an unexpected subsidy. They did not request for free fertilizer. However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe is of the opinion that more help should be given to improve the status quo.

There is a chance to advance the level of our nation’s agriculture on a global scale. Modern technology is being introduced to agriculture through many means. There may be several difficulties here. However, every effort is made to develop agriculture using contemporary technologies. Numerous individuals, both inside and outside of the political sphere, have criticized these actions. They have alleged that imported fertilizers are substandard and the harvest is poor.

There are still plenty of initiatives to dissuade farmers. Despite what they claim, the farmers have returned to their farms. The Agricultural Services Act is currently being amended. In addition to the current subsidies, steps are being taken to provide subsidies for the cultivation of other crops. There are several areas where paddy agriculture is not profitable. The government is ready to help them grow other crops. They have the potential to earn more income by switching to other crops.

The farmers in this country would not only have abandoned their fields if the President had not come into power, but many of them might have also taken their own lives. And we could have become a weak nation due to scarcity of food. When the President assumed office a year ago, food inflation was nearly 90%. 

So far, food inflation has decreased to 4.1%. All the farmers of this country deserve the respect and praise of the citizens for being committed to creating a renaissance in the country’s agriculture and creating food security in the country. 

Also, the country has saved 400 USD as the farmers have resumed cultivation. President Ranil Wickremesinghe gave instructions to establish an Agricultural Modernization Secretariat for the modernization of the agricultural sector in the Presidential Secretariat in parallel to accelerate the country’s sustainable economic growth. The main responsibility of the Agricultural Modernization Secretariat is to solve problems related to various dimensions of modernization, including specific problems affecting various sub-sectors. It envisages the preparation of roadmaps for each sub-sector to modernize agriculture with time-bound measures and performance benchmarks.

In order to formally implement this responsibility, the Agricultural Modernization Secretariat has been established by involving all ministries, the private sector and universities related to the subject of agriculture. This Agricultural Modernization Secretariat has been operating since May 31 this year based on improving the production and productivity of the agricultural, livestock and animal products sectors using modern technology, increasing the farmer’s income, and increasing the export income.

A national policy framework is currently being prepared under the leadership of Professor Gamini Senanayake of the University of Ruhuna as per the instructions of the President in order to get the agricultural sector’s assistance in creating a ‘Developed Sri Lanka’ by the year 2048 through sustainable agricultural development, production of export-oriented agricultural products, assurance of local food security and the transformation of the youth group into ‘Agribusiness Entrepreneurs associated with new technology’. The goal is to have this policy framework completed by the end of August 2023.

The average yield of paddy in this country is about 3.7 metric tons per hectare. A set of farmers from Hambantota have been able to obtain 10.25 metric tons of paddy per hectare by following good agricultural practices and using quality seed materials. Therefore, the primary goal is to double the current average annual yield for paddy by six seasons from 3.7 metric tons to 7.4. metric tons.

The average maize yield in Sri Lanka is about 3.7 metric tons per hectare. By the end of 2026, it is expected to increase up to 60 metric tons. Steps will be taken to construct high-tech model cultivation plots as pilot projects for both crops and livestock in each province, with the help of the Provincial Council, the line Ministry, the Central Government, the private sector and universities.

Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Director General of Agriculture P. Malathi, Agricultural Services Commissioner General A. H. M. L. Abeyratne, Chairman of Fertilizer Corporation Dr. Jagath Perera, Director of National Fertilizer Secretariat Chandana Lokuhewage were also present. (NewsWire)

The post Yala Season : 512,000 hectares of paddy fields cultivated appeared first on Newswire.

India has decided to approve wheat and broken rice exports to few selected countries following their requests to allow the shipments of the grains, the government said in two separate notifications issued late on Tuesday.

The South Asian country banned exports of wheat and broken rice in 2022 to lower local prices.

But following requests, India would allow broken rice exports to Indonesia, Senegal and Gambia in 2023/24 financial year started on April 1.

New Delhi also approved request from Nepal and allowed wheat exports in the current financial year.

Indian exporters, which were exporting grains to these countries, need to bid for the allocated quota of wheat and broken rice, the government said in notifications.

Indonesia has signed an agreement with the Indian government to potentially import 1 million tonnes of rice if the El Nino weather pattern hits domestic supply, media quoted the trade minister as saying on Friday. (Reuters)

The post India approves wheat, broken rice exports requests from 4 countries appeared first on Newswire.

The Government of Japan through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is providing USD 4,629,629 to strengthen the production capacity of smallholder paddy farmers in identified districts of the Dry and Intermediate Zones of Sri Lanka.

According to a statement by FAO Sri Lanka, smallholder farmers are amongst the most vulnerable rural communities, predominantly cultivating rice for self-consumption. Lack of fertilizer over two consecutive seasons caused major yield drops forcing some farmers to undertake negative coping strategies (pawning, buying on credit, dipping into savings, etc.) to meet their food security and nutrition requirements.

Through the initiative, approximately 250,000 smallholder paddy farmers cultivating paddy on land holdings up to one hectare in identified districts of the Dry and Intermediate zones will receive up to 50kgs of urea fertilizer each for the upcoming Maha cropping season. The fertilizer will be provided free of cost and distribution will be carried out with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Agrarian Development. The project will also provide smallholder paddy farmers with sensitization material on the efficient use of fertilizer to maximize production.

Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Mizukoshi Hideaki said, “We are pleased to announce that the Government of Japan has decided to provide additional humanitarian assistance to procure fertilizer, which is in short supply due to the shortage of foreign exchange. We hope that this support will improve food production capacity in Sri Lanka to pre-crisis levels, ensuring better livelihoods for smallholder farmers and stable access to essential food for all citizens across the country.”

Speaking on the initiative, Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives stated, “As FAO we are working with our partners and advocating at every level to ensure that vulnerable farmers and fishers are able to continue their livelihoods. While the status of food security and nutrition in Sri Lanka is looking brighter, it may take three to four more cultivation seasons to fully recover. We thank the Government of Japan for supporting Sri Lanka in its recovery and have no doubt that the support provided will help boost production for 2023.”

Together with its partners, FAO in Sri Lanka is addressing urgent food security needs, protecting the livelihoods of vulnerable farmers and fishers in the most affected districts while promoting agriculture, including in urban settings. (NewsWire)

The post Japan provides $ 4.6 mn to boost paddy production in Sri Lanka appeared first on Newswire.

The Treasury has released a circular on the government’s program for purchasing and distribution of paddy, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported. 

The circular has been issued under the signature of the Treasury Secretary, K.M. Mahinda Siriwardena, on the direction of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy. 

According to the PMD, the objective of the paddy purchase and disbursement program is to offer farmers a fair price for their paddy harvest in the 2022/2023 Maha season, procure any surplus paddy, and provide aid to low-income households affected by the ongoing economic challenges. 

District Secretaries have been instructed to purchase only “Nadu” paddy from small and medium-scale paddy owners and cooperative societies through the 2022/2023 season paddy purchase program. 

Under the program, the cost of one kilogram of good quality paddy with a maximum moisture content of 14% and a maximum spoil paddy content of 9% will be Rs. 100, while one kilogram of paddy with a moisture content over 14% and a maximum spoil paddy content of 22% or lower will cost Rs. 88. 

District and Divisional Secretaries are in charge of inventory management, storage, upkeep, and documentation related to the paddy procurement process.

The PMD further stated that as the acquired paddy stock will be milled and distributed in March and April 2023, the program will consider the milling capacity of small and medium-scale rice mill owners and cooperative societies, and allocate funds accordingly. Mill owners and cooperative societies will be given preference. 

Under the program, a maximum of 2,000 kg of paddy can be purchased from a single farmer with up to one acre of land, 4,000 kg for 1-2 acres, and 5,000 kg for over 2 acres. 

District secretaries are required to inform the Development Finance Department of the General Treasury to obtain the necessary funds for the government’s paddy purchase program, which will be executed via small and medium-scale paddy mill owners and cooperative societies. Upon receiving notification, the Development Finance Department will direct district secretaries to the National Budget Department to assign treasury funds, and to the Treasury Operations Department to release the funds. 

The PMD stated that the National Budget Department will allocate budget funds directly to the respective District Secretaries, and the Treasury Operations Department will release liquid cash to them for the purchase of paddy.

Funds for the paddy purchase program will be released by the Treasury periodically as required.

All District Secretaries should ensure that paddy is purchased only from farmers in their district and that the Bank of Ceylon issues a payment certificate in the name of the concerned farmer. When submitted to the appropriate People’s Bank or Regional Development Bank branch, the required amount is immediately credited to the farmer’s bank account. 

To provide relief to the identified low-income families, 10 kg of paddy per month per family will be distributed for a two-month period, and instructions regarding this will be issued by the Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment. 

The district secretaries have been instructed on the necessary steps to ensure the success of the paddy purchase program, including the deployment of Civil Security Department (CSD) officers to ensure the security of the paddy stocks in the warehouses, as well as the appointment of a staff officer in each district to oversee the implementation of the program. It is expected that the entire public service will be dedicated and work exemplarily during the harvest period, in order to reduce government expenses. Other operational costs of the paddy purchase program will be subject to financial regulations, circulars, and other necessary government approvals. (NewsWire)

The post Treasury issues circular on purchase of paddy appeared first on Newswire.