Data collected on drought to grant relief

Priyanka KURUGALA, Kithsiri WANASINGHE and Thennekoon KULASEKERA

Agrarian Services and Wildlife Minister S M Chandrasena said the authorities are collecting data related to the drought to provide relief to those affected.

He further said the President had appointed a committee to provide all the assistance to the drought hit farmers as soon as possible and to provide subsidies to those affected by the drought.

These programme will be jointly launched by the ministries of Economic Development Ministry, Agrarian Services and Wildlife Ministry, Irrigation and Water Management Ministry, Agriculture Ministry and Disaster Management Ministry.

Minister Chandrasena said the President had directed them to offer relief to farmers who had obtained bank loans and to repair agro wells,clean irrigation canals and other irrigation tanks.

"Meanwhile, the authorities have taken steps to desil tanks in the dry zone for the animals to drink water, "the minister added.

According to farmers in the Anuradhapura District, paddy and other cultivations will be unable to recover even if there is heavy rain. Farmers said they only need subsidies.