The Government is targeting 800,000 hectares (ha) of paddy cultivation during the upcoming 2026/27 Maha season, with authorities proposing a staggered cultivation schedule across major agricultural zones to ensure the efficient management of available water resources.

Under the proposed schedule, cultivation in the Walawe Zone is to commence on 1 October, followed by the Ella Zone on 15 October. Cultivation in the Kaudulla Zone is proposed to begin on 1 November, while the Elahera Zone is scheduled to commence cultivation on 10 November.The proposed dates are aimed at ensuring the efficient use of water resources, particularly in view of expectations of relatively low rainfall between December and April. Accordingly, the Water Management Secretariat has recommended commencing paddy cultivation in early October to make the best possible use of available water.

The Meteorology Department has also warned that weather changes associated with El Niño conditions could affect agriculture, underscoring the importance of farmers planning their cultivation activities in advance.Meanwhile, authorities have assured farmers that sufficient supplies of fertilizer and paddy seed are available for the upcoming Maha season.

The National Fertilizer Secretariat has confirmed that adequate fertilizer stocks are available, while the Agriculture Department has confirmed that sufficient supplies of paddy seed are available to meet national requirements.Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K D Lal Kantha stressed the importance of commencing cultivation at the correct time in accordance with the technical recommendations issued by the Department of Agriculture.He also emphasised the need to encourage farmers to adopt the technical packages recommended by the Department and to conduct awareness programmes on their proper use.