Vegetable prices : Agriculture Minister urges public to set up home garden

January 18, 2024 at 9:39 AM

The public has been urged to maintain home gardens to mitigate the high prices of vegetables in Sri Lanka.

Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera said that heavy rains experienced in the past have destroyed several vegetable plantations.

The minister said this has resulted in the high prices being charged for vegetables at present.

Speaking to reporters, he said, he had issued a warning earlier that continuous heavy rains would result in such a situation.

The minister, therefore, encouraged the public to focus on maintaining a home garden with the basic necessities, such as chillies, tomatoes, and various greens. 

“Several people are scolding me and the Agriculture Ministry for the price hike. People need to understand the effects of the heavy rains on vegetable plantations. Laying blame on one another will not solve the problem,” he said.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera added that as a solution, the public must focus on maintaining a home garden. (NewsWire)