Agricultural sectors’ contributions to GDP low, says Minister

Irangika RANGE

HAMBANTOTA: The agricultural sector’s contribution to the GDP is 17.5 per cent which is very low though 80 per cent of the country’s population are farmers while over thousands of part time workers are engaged in various agricultural related subjects, Agricultural Development Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Field Center of the Institute of Post Harvest Technology in Maurapura, Hambantota, he said the Government has given priority to develop agriculture for the farmers’ betterment.

“Although the Government has to face terrorism, it has already prepared an immense agricultural development plan to uplift farmers’ economic standard,” Nanayakkara said.

“President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been able to establish a stable Government due to his brave leadership and political experience. He is the only person who could lead the country to success.

Therefore, we decided to support the Government to achieve development goals under the Mahinda Chinthanaya,” he said.