Record paddy harvest in 2024 Yala season promises sufficient rice supply

The 2024 Yala season has yielded a record paddy harvest of 2 million metric tons, with an increased yield of 4.64 metric tons per hectare, says the Department of Agriculture.

The department, following instructions from the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industry, Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera, has confirmed that 88 percent of the 540,000 hectares targeted for paddy cultivation have been successfully planted.

This year’s harvest includes 77 percent regular paddy, 11 percent samba, and 12 percent keeri samba, which marks a notable increase in keeri samba cultivation to 61,000 hectares.

With the current harvest and leftover stock from last season, the country’s annual rice requirement of 2.4 million metric tons will be fully met domestically, eliminating the need for imports, the department assured.

This season’s paddy yield, particularly from the Eastern and North Central provinces, has surpassed previous records, ensuring an abundant rice supply for the nation.