The Ministry of Agriculture says that it is no longer possible to buy paddy of the Yala season as they are yet to receive loans requested from state banks for this purpose.
Ministry Secretary – Mr. Rohana Pushpakumara said that they have not been informed of a specific date to secure the loan.
According to Mr. Pushpakumara, the banks have informed the interest rate of the loan would be 28%. Further discussions are underway to reduce this as the rate is quite high, he further said.
Earlier, it was stated that a kilo of Nadu paddy in the Yala Season would be purchased at Rs. 120 while a kilo of Samba and Keeri Samba would be purchased at Rs/ 125 and Rs. 130 respectively.
