The Irrigation Department has commenced renovation of the Kachchimaduwa Tank, which was damaged during the Ditwah disaster, with an estimated investment of Rs. 200 million.
The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Lal Kantha said agriculture today faces multiple challenges, particularly ensuring fair and just prices for farmers’ produce.
“If there is no proper price and economic benefit in the market, cultivation is useless. Generally, our country’s farmers are poor. The main responsibility entrusted to our Ministry is to eliminate that poverty,” he said.
He noted that while the government has allocated significant funds for irrigation, gaps in the public service have made implementation difficult. He added that religious leaders enrich spiritual life, while the government’s duty is to build secular life.
On paddy harvests, the Minister said the government cannot rely solely on state warehouses for purchases. Small and medium‑scale mill owners will be included, with interest‑free loans of Rs. 250 million each provided through the Treasury.
Large‑scale mill owners will also purchase paddy at the government’s declared price. He further pledged to introduce new technology to address the issue of wet paddy.
The Minister urged farmers to diversify income sources by focusing on livestock as well as crops. He highlighted efforts to increase yields, noting that while some areas produce only 80 bushels per acre, others achieve 200 bushels.
A programme under the Agriculture Department is being implemented to raise productivity, with farmers encouraged to follow departmental recommendations rather than tradition.
He pointed out that maize is the main crop for animal feed, with an annual requirement of 700,000 metric tons, but only 300,000 metric tons produced locally.
Imports of the remaining 400,000 metric tons have been halted, with rice now being used instead. Producing other products from rice, he said, can strengthen farmers’ incomes.
Minister Lal Kantha emphasized the importance of using both chemical and organic fertilizers in paddy cultivation. He said the government is committed to strengthening farmers by providing fertilizer subsidies and irrigation facilities.
He concluded by stressing that the Ministry’s primary responsibility is to ensure food security and strengthen farmers’ livelihoods, which requires their active participation. (Newswire)