The 6.98 million litres of diesel donated by the Chinese government for agricultural activities in Sri Lanka will be distributed free to farmers for harvesting from today (9).
As requested by President Ranil Wickremesinghe from the Chinese government, the Chinese government donated 10.06 million litres of diesel free in consideration of the economic difficulties faced by the people engaged in the agriculture and fisheries sectors in this country.
Accordingly, 6.98 million litres of diesel has been allocated for agricultural activities and the surplus for fishing activities.
Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera instructed officials of the Ministry to provide the fuel stock free at the time of harvesting as the farmers had already finished their cultivation when the stock of fuel was received.
Since paddy harvesting will begin in some areas of our country by the end of January, Agrarian Development Department Commissioner General A.M.H.L. Abeyratne said that the Department has made arrangements to start distributing the fuel stock to paddy farmers free from today (9).
This stock of fuel is planned to be given to each farmer through a special voucher online and the official release of the voucher card will be done today (9) at 11.00 am at the Agriculture Ministry under the chairmanship of the Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.
Under this arrangement, steps have been taken to provide free fuel to the farmers who cultivate paddy from half an acre to two hectares. Accordingly, arrangements have been made to provide 15 litres of diesel for one hectare and 30 litres of diesel for two hectares.
According to Minister Amaraweera, under the programme implemented by the government to provide relief to the farmers during this Maha season, a subsidy of Rs. 150,000 has been given to each farmer who cultivates one hectare, including the subsidies received from the government and the international community.
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