PM pledges better deal for farmers

THE UPFA Government has taken several steps to uplift farmers and more such measures will be introduced after his victory on November 17, Presidential Candidate Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse said in Kekirawa yesterday.

"As a result of privatising the paddy marketing apparatus during the previous UNP regime, paddy cultivators were confronted with a series of problems including the inability to obtain a reasonable price for their produce. We have rectified this injustice," Rajapakse said.

Identifying himself as a son of a well experienced farmer father, Rajapakse pledged to usher in the pristine glory of Rajarata through a development process in the North Central Province by providing arable lands to both Paddy cultivators and Chena farmers who do not own lands.

Funds have been allocated under the Maga Neguma programme to provide a macadamised transport network running to 500 kilometres in the Anuradhapura District before the end of next year, he said.

Underlining the importance of modern technology to take the country forward, the Prime Minister said farmers must adapt themselves to modern agricultural equipment in order to do cultivation work scientifically.

"We look forward for an indigenous economic development by strengthening the farmers. We are mindful of the many problems facing the farmers of Kekirawa Electorate and the farmers of the Mahaweli Zone. We have taken steps to secure a reasonable price for the produce of farmers and to improve their standard of living commensurate with their labour," he added.

Rajapakse said he has practical solutions for developing the country in all spheres, instead of fantasies to deceive the masses.

The victory on November 17 is not solely mine. It will mark the dawn of a new era for the whole country, with its identity recognised and protected, he said.