Govt. Intervenes with Rs. 7.38 Bn Paddy Buy & Strategic Rice Imports 📈

The Sri Lankan government has initiated proactive market measures to stabilize the agriculture sector and ensure food security amid potential seasonal shortages of premium rice varieties. • Domestic Procurement & Investment Total of 61,449 tonnes of paddy purchased from local farmers at a cost of over Rs. 7.38 billion. Breakdown includes: 17,690 tons of white Nadu. 43,836 tons of red Nadu. Combined 922,776 kg of Samba and Keeri Samba. • Strategic Import Window Cabinet approved limited imports to bridge supply gaps for premium varieties (Samba/Keeri Samba substitutes) between 1 April and 30 May 2026. Volume: Up to 1,040 tons each of GR 11, Ponni Samba, and Kiri/Pal Ponni. Policy: Import control licenses waived for this specific window to prevent price volatility. • Agricultural Inputs & Supply Chain Fertilizer: Sufficient stocks confirmed for initial phases; new urea shipments expected this month via state and 18 private companies. Pricing: Urea bags capped between Rs. 9,900 and Rs. 10,200. • Market Outlook While no overall rice shortage exists, the Department of Agriculture warns of lower Samba output for the 2025/26 Maha season. Imports serve as a "precautionary measure" against drought risks and global supply chain disruptions. _Data based on official Cabinet briefing statements (April 2026)._