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| Saturday, 1 May 2004 |
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Call to lay foundation for solid economy by Uditha Kumarasinghe Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake assuming duties yesterday said immediate measures should be taken to lay the foundation for a solid economy, based on local production by harnessing indigenous resources. Officially taking over office at his Ministry at Battaramulla, the Minister said nearly 39 per cent of the country's population are dependent on agriculture for their survival, while agriculture has become the livelihood of a large number of people. But the living conditions of people engaged in the agriculture sector have rapidly collapsed, he said. In this situation, top priority should be given to agriculture in the National Economy. Agriculture should be the backbone of the economy. In addition, steps should be taken to ensure food security, the Minister said. Dissanayake said: "Even though there may be a difference of our responsibilities, our basic objective should not change which is to ensure food security in the country. "At present, the country has reached a critical juncture. All sections of the country are in a crisis. As citizens, we all have a prime responsibility to salvage the country from this critical situation and safeguard it. "The country is faced with a financial crisis while production is decreasing day-by-day. Huge differences have also been created in the consumption. Nearly 45 per cent of rural children below five years are suffering from malnutrition. We are living in a society in a situation where each section of the economy is facing a grave crisis. He said interest of the younger generation in agriculture is weaning daily. Rural people are engaging in agriculture as there are no other avenues of employment for them. A large number of small and medium scale rural industries have closed down due to the decline in the production sphere, the Minister said. The state sector has declined and Government employees are working with dissatisfaction. People have adapted to a situation where employment is solely to exist. Therefore employment should be transformed into a social duty by overcoming problems faced by Government employees, he said. Dissanayake said all Ministry employees should join hands to formulate policies to develop agriculture and uplift farmers living conditions. "Everyone should dedicate to add something to the country. I will make any sacrifice to achieve this goal," he added. Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Deputy Minister Bimal Ratnayake said a lot of public attention has been focused on the Agriculture Ministry and its affiliated institutions. A huge responsibility has been vested in this ministry to fulfil this public requirement. |
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