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.