Straightforward policy needed to uplift agriculture - President

An honest and straightforward policy rather than discussion is necessary to uplift the agricultural industry in this country which was a fertile and productive land in the past, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing a meeting of the Food Security and Cost of living Committee held at Temple Trees Monday.

The President said terrorism which was a stumbling block and obstruction to agricultural development has been wiped out and the country was enjoying total peace.

What was needed now was for all officials to buckle down to work and get actively involved in the program to uplift agriculture and strengthen local farmers without wasting time on unnecessary talk.

The President who ordered an immediate survey of all agricultural institutions and installations which had put up shutters under the policies of the previous government including seed factories, stores and sales outlets directed officials to implement a speedy program to revive and re-deploy them for the benefit of indigenous agriculture.

He also directed officials to maintain sufficient buffer stocks of essential food items to ensure an uninterrupted supply to consumers at a fair and stable price during the coming festive season.

A special report on popularising a local processing process utilising tomatoes prepared by the Field Crops Research and Development Institute was also handed over to the President at this meeting.

Ministers Dr Sarath Amunugama, Jonston Fernando and Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge also attended the meeting.