On Presidential directive:

Farmer to get Rs 85 per kg of Soyabeans

Chaminda PERERA

In a bid to protect local farmers, the Government yesterday started purchasing soya beans from farmers in the Anuradhapura district at Rs 85 per kilo on the directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

President Rajapaksa had instructed Cooperative and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando to purchase soya beans from farmers in the Anuradhapura District through the Paddy Marketing Board. According to Ministry sources, purchasing of soya beans is taking place at the Senapura and Galenbindunuwewa paddy purchasing centres.

A private company had provided an advance to these farmers to cultivate soya beans on the condition that they would purchase their entire harvest but the company has failed to keep their promise, Ministry sources added.

Sources said that their soya bean harvest exceeds five million kilograms. Farmers launched a massive protest urging government intervention to into their problem. Minister Johnston Fernando told the Daily News that the soya beans produced which are in conformity with Health Ministry standards can be sold to paddy purchasing centres in the district.

He requested the farmers to bring their produce to paddy purchasing centres in the district.

The Minister stressed that the Ministry is dedicated in protecting the farmers and consumers when they face difficulties.