Farmers report bumper maize harvest

Farmers in the Monaragala district report a very successful maize harvest for the 2025 Maha season.

Harvesting is currently proceeding rapidly in areas such as Buttala, Monaragala, and Siyambalanduwa, where farmers are seen drying their produce along main roads.

Assistant Director of Agriculture for Monaragala, S.M. Sandhya Udayangani, mentioned that approximately 18,000 hectares of maize were cultivated in the district during the last Maha season.

She stated that the Department of Agriculture provided necessary seeds and fertilizers at subsidized rates and noted that an average yield of about 5.5 metric tonnes of maize seeds can be obtained per hectare.

Despite the bountiful harvest, farmers express deep concern regarding the prices they receive. While the government announced a certified price of 150 rupees per kilogram of maize, farmers point out that certain private traders purchase a kilogram for amounts ranging between Rs. 100 and Rs. 130 .

They request government intervention to ensure they receive the certified price for their harvest.

Additionally, intermittent rainy weather in the area has become a challenge, making it difficult to dry the produce. Farmers further state that the inability to dry the harvest quickly creates a risk of deteriorating quality.