Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera yesterday said the funds to exceeding Rs.10 billion that is said to be spent on holding the Local Government Elections should be given to purchase paddy for this Season.
Making a special statement, the Minister said that a special programme is in place to purchase paddy for this season. Funding for the purchase of paddy for this season has become a major problem. “Although we promised the farmers that produce is purchased by the government, it could not be done properly due to financial difficulties.
It was hindered due to the rejections of banks issuing money for this purpose. Because of this, the President has given us instructions to make a plan to buy paddy in a manner that does not affect the farmers.
He said all arrangements have been made for the purchase of paddy. “We have already informed the relevant officers of the Finance Ministry of the Central Bank to take steps to make the necessary provisions. As soon as this money is received, the Agriculture Ministry is ready to purchase paddy by setting a fair price to the farmers.
“He said that the Opposition insisting that elections is more important and it should be held soon , when the Agriculture Ministry is striving to find funds for the purchase of paddy.
“If the amount which is said to be spent on holding the election is allocated to purchase paddy, we can ensure better price for farmers,” he said.
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