Minister launches new agricultural machine

Mohammed Naalir

Development in the agriculture sphere depends on the introduction of advanced and modern technologies to the local agriculture sector which in turn will lead to self sufficiency and boost the economy, Agriculture Development Minister Hema Kumara Nanayakkara said yesterday.

He said the local agriculture sector will do better by employing indigenous technologies rather than opting for costly methods adopted by developed countries .

Addressing the media at the Agriculture and Agrarian Services Ministry Auditorium after introducing the paddy sowing machine (paddy seeder) "Hansamack" manufactured by Hansa Industries, Minister Nanayakkara said the new machine would help cut down on the huge overhead costs on agriculture production.

Under the Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu national concept such new inventions of technologies will help the farming community, Minister Nanayakkara added.

Minister Nanayakkara said that due to the labour shortage, farmers have to pay huge amounts to carry out their farming activities.

Through such systems the productivity and efficiency of the farmer community could be increased while obtaining a satisfactory income through their cultivation. Senior Weed Scientist of Rice Research and Development Institute Anuruddhika S. K. Abeysekara said that the paddy seeder "Hansamack" is so cost effective that it will do the work of nearly 15 to 20 workers per day.

She said between nearly three to four acres paddy fields can be sowed per day. Weedesiding also can be carried out very easily.

A large area of paddy land can be sowed with a nominal number of labourers. Mackwoods Limited has taken over the marketing responsibility of the new machine.

Several representatives including Dr. D. N. Abeyasekara, Senior Product Manager Mackwoods, Nimal Dissanayake, Director of Bathalagoda Paddy Research Centre and the representatives from various agricultural institutions participated at the launch and press conference.