Big onion export to stop by 2013
Ishara MUDUGAMUWA
Big onion
* 50 percent of annual big onion requirement met
* Measures to encourage farmers
* Govt objective is to encourage farmers
Export of big onion will be stopped completely by the end of 2013,
said Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane.
He was participating in an inspection tour of big onion cultivations
in Dambull, Galewala areas.
“More than 50 percent of the annual big onion requirement has already
been met and it will be increased to 75 percent by the end of this
year,” said the minister.
He said the ministry has taken measures to encourage farmers in the
Hambantota, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapaura and Mannar districts to cultivate
big onion with the objective to meet future demands and to fulfill the
government's objective to be self-sufficient in big onions.
“Farmers should have a proper plan when they engage in cultivation.
If they do not have proper plans, both farmers and consumers will have
bad experiences.
Most of the export food products can be produced locally. Therefore,
the ministry will take measures to recognize food products which can be
produced locally and encourage farmers to produce them in their lands,”
said the minister. |