June 22, Colombo: Sri Lanka expects a paddy harvest of 2.7 million metric tons in the Yala season, Ministry of Agriculture sources say.

This will be the largest ever harvest Sri Lanka achieved in a Yala season which runs from April to September. Previous largest yield was recorded in 2005-2006 Maha season that harvested 2.14 million metric tons.

Around 807,763 hectares of land cultivated in Sri Lanka for paddy, 64% (534,803 ha) is cultivated in Maha season while 35% (282,960 ha) is cultivated in Yala season. Around 879,000 farmer families are engaged in paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka. They are 20% of the country's population and 32% of the employment.