The Government has launched a special programme to sell one kilogram of Nadu Rice at Rs 93, while one kilogram of raw rice (white and red) will be sold at a price of Rs 95.

The Agriculture Ministry stated that the programme will be implemented through supermarkets, Sathosa and cooperatives.

A discussion was held yesterday (25), with the participation of the Agriculture Minister and Sathosa Chairperson, Cooperatives Chairperson, and Chief Executive Officers of all supermarkets. Accordingly, they have arrived at the agreement to sell the rice provided through the Paddy Marketing Board at relevant prices.

As per the programme, consumers will be able to purchase rice required for three months islandwide through the regional outlet network of these institutions.

The Agriculture Ministry launched a national operation to clear fallow paddy lands and cultivate those fallow paddy fields.

Accordingly, there are about 100,000 acres of fallow paddy lands in the country at present, out of which 28,000 acres of paddy lands are to be cultivated in 320 Agrarian Service Areas