Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera told Parliament yesterday (7) that a written notification to suspend the importation of rice has already been submitted to the relevant authorities.
The Minister said that a total 512,000 hectares of paddy fields have been cultivated in this Yala season.The government had estimated 275,000 hectares of paddy land for cultivation. But even under difficult situation farmers have successfully cultivated their fields.
“Rs.two billion is required to purchase paddy and Rs.250 million rupees have already been allocated via two State Banks. Another Rs.300 million will be received this week. Necessary arrangements will be made to get the amount from two state banks,” the Minister said.
The Minister was responding to a question by SJB Parliamentarian Rohana Bandara.
Minister Amaraweera further said that the maize cultivation should be popularized as a remedy for the existing nutritional situation and steps will be taken to provide the required fuel etc. for the preparation of the land required by the farmers.
“Various programmes have been implemented to promote organic farming in the Anuradhapura district. Providing organic fertilizers through Farmers’ Public Service Centers, spreading awareness, conducting awareness programmes for organic cultivation in a formal manner,” he said.
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