Abandoned paddy fields re - cultivated

Subsidies given to farmers would not be curtailed under any circumstance, said Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.

The minister made this observation at a ceremony at the Sri Pantharama Temple, Godagama to commence re-cultivation of the abandoned paddy fields under the Nilwala project and to introduce local seed varieties.

The minister also said that new low cost paddy cultivation methods that give abundant yield must be adopted, adding that the Agriculture Department is ready to provide necessary consultation and support for this move. The minister also observed that the country is self sufficient in rice and re-cultivation methods of local paddy seed varieties have been introduced to paddy farmers.