The distribution of air rifles to farmers to ward off crop-destroying animals commenced on Sunday (Oct 22).
Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera commenced the distribution programme in Angunukolapellessa last morning.
A total of 268 air rifles were distributed to farmers in Angunukolapellessa under the programme.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Amaraweera said that farmers have made repeated requests for firearms to ward off crop-destroying animals due to the large-scale crop destructions in the recent past.
Stating that monkeys are the key crop destroyers, the minister said measures taken to export Sri Lankan monkeys to China had been suspended due to legal action by environmental organizations.
“Even though several other countries have also shown interest in receiving Sri Lankan monkeys, the proposal has been suspended in the initial stages due to a court order,” he said.
Minister Amaraweera pointed out that, however, the destruction of cultivated crops by wild animals has created a serious crisis situation as there is a risk of a future food crisis.
He further said that therefore, it is required to provide not only air rifles but other firearms as well to farmers for this purpose.
“The proposals presented by these environmental organizations to prevent crop damage caused by wild animals including wild animals are not practical at all. the suggestions by these environmental organizations include measures such as saris being hung around the plantations, plates being tied to the coconut trees, and half an acre of cultivated farms being set aside for wild animals,” the minister revealed.
“Therefore, in an effort to prevent crop damage, steps were taken to distribute air rifles subject to 50% contribution as per the request of the farmers and the government had allocated financial allocations for this purpose this year,” he added. (NewsWire)
