Farmers fret due to substandard seed

Ariyapala WANSATHILAKE- Kurunegala Central Special

Beetroot farmers in Polpitigama Irudeniyaya and Pallekale in Yapahuwa are facing great difficulties due to substandard seeds supplied to them by a private seed importer.

Farmers have spent about Rs 150,000 to purchase seeds, agro-chemicals and fertilizer, and to maintain plant nurseries but could not achieve satisfactory results.

The Chairman of the Beetroot Farmers Association KD Jayaratne said he purchased twenty tins of imported beetroot seeds fertilizer and chemicals to cultivate two acres at a cost of Rs. 150,000 from a bank loan.

He added that many farmers in the area who pawned their jewellery to purchase seeds are unable to settle their debts.

The company agent at Irudeniyaya Gamini Ekanayake said, he informed this to the company's management who promised to provide relief to the farmers.

However, farmers complain that nothing has been done to rectify the problem.

They urge authorities to take action against the company.