The private sector is offering them a price of only Rs. 20 per kilo, said T. Thuwadaran of Tirukkovil.

Last season, the price stood around Rs .45 per kilo.

Sell like beggars

President of the area’s farmers’ association T. Gnasuriyam said they were forced to sell like beggars, adding the present price was wholly insufficient, considering costs for pesticides, fertilizer and labour.

Paddy Marketing Board chairman P.B. Dissnayake said purchases in Ampara district would begin on February 15.

Farmers’ association secretary K. Anandaraja said the government should pay attention to the price, and noted their earnings depended solely on paddy cultivation.

MP Wimalaweera Dissanayake alleged there was no preparation to buy the produce in Ampara district.

Last season’s produce is still stored in around 30 warehouses, he said.

Attempts by BBC Sandeshaya to speak to subject minister P. Harrison failed.