The Agriculture Ministry needs Rs.10 billion to buy paddy of the Maha season, Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.
The Minister was participating in a programme at the Ministry recently.
“We have no objection for elections. But purchasing paddy cannot be postponed because money was spent on elections. Rs. 10 billion is required to purchase paddy.
The introduction of the new mixed fertilizer produced by the Ceylon Fertilizer Company for cultivating potato was held at the Ministry. Some special mixed fertilizers for coconut, maize, cinnamon, floriculture, and vegetable crops were also introduced.
Agriculture State Minister Mohan Priyadarshana de Silva, Ministry Secretary Gunadasa Samarasinghe, retired Major General Priyantha de Silva, and Ceylon Fertilizer Corporation Chairman were present.
“We planted 12.500 hectares in the last Yala season, the largest paddy cultivation after 10 years. We requested Rs. 2 billion from the two State banks to buy paddy in the Yala season, but we did not receive it. The Government had no money. Banks also had no money. But in this Maha season, we expect a large paddy harvest. The Government should provide at least Rs.10 billion to buy paddy by the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB).
“All parties should decide whether to hold elections or to buy paddy for the farmers. About Rs.73,000 million have been spent on importing rice to Sri Lanka in 2022. If the Government has the money to import rice, why could it not give Rs. 2 billion to buy the paddy harvest of the farmers?” the Minister asked.
“Therefore, I request the Government to provide at least Rs. 5 billion to the PMB to buy paddy this season,” the Minister said.
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