Farmers praise President

Farmer society members praised President Mahinda Rajapaksa for obtaining the views of all segments of the society to prepare the budget yesterday. They said so during a discussion held under President Rajapaksa's patronage to obtain farmers' views to prepare the 2013 budget proposals at Temple Trees.

They said a number of views expressed by farmers at Temple Trees last year, were incorporated in the 2012 budget. Farmers said they enjoy peace today after the three decade terrorism was ended by the President. They told the President, the fertiliser subsidy provided under the Mahinda Chinthana, have increased farmers' income. They also spoke of the reestablishment of the Paddy Marketing Board and the renovation of dilapidated irrigation system.

President Rajapaksa said the programme to provide relief to farmers affected by the drought will continue until the drought ends. The establishment of seed plant nurseries, paddy storage, protecting big onion farmers, strengthening coconut cultivators, providing welfare for small tea planters and professional respect for farmers were also discussed. Ministers Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Johnston Fernando and Jagath Pushpakumara and Finance and Planning Ministry Secretary Dr P B Jayasundara were also present.