This sown extent is highest ever reported for a Yala season and it is 59% and 22% higher compared to the sown extent of Yala 2014 and average sown extent of last 5 Yala seasons, the statement revealed.

According to the Crop Forecast paddy cultivation has exceeded the targets in Ampara, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kilinochchi, Vavunia and Mahaweli H, B,C, L and Udawalawa.

The production forecast based on the cultivation progress is 1.91 million MT.  It is 67% and 28% higher compared to Yala 2014 and production average of past 5 Yala seasons.

From total paddy production 25%, 58% and 10% will be harvested from July onwards  in Kurunegala, Ampara, Batticaloa, Monaragala and Anuradhapura districts from July onwards.

The Peradeniya Agriculture Department states that paddy production of year 2015 will be sufficient for domestic rice consumption till March 2016.