Drought-hit farmers to get assistance for re-cultivation purposes

Priyanka Kurugala

The Agrarian Services and Wildlife Ministry will provide assistance to farmers whose crops were destroyed due to the drought and help them re-cultivate using the present rainy condition.

Agrarian Services Commissioner-General Sunil Weerasinghe told the Daily News that many cultivated lands were damaged due to the severe drought in the country's major agricultural districts during the past few months.

Therefore, the government will assist farmer to start re - cultivating their lands.

"The North Eastern Monsoon is active over Sri Lanka at present and drought-affected districts are receiving adequate rains for cultivation. Rain water is also being stored in man-made reservoirs, "sources confirmed.

"It is need to provide 235,000 bushels of seed paddy for re cultivation. The Agrarian Services and Wildlife Ministry has taken steps to provide relevant bushels of seed paddy, free of charge, to the farmers for re-cultivation," he said.

Deputy Agrarian Services Commissioner in Anuradhapura RMG Senarathne said the Kurunegala, Puttlam, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Districts had been badly affected by the drought.

"Around 84,805 bushels of seed paddy is required for re-cultivation purposes in the Anuradhapura District alone. The authorities has will distribute the required seed paddy quantities from the Kanthale stores. Around 16,961 hectares will be cultivated in the Anuradhapura District," he said.

"Farmers who use minor scale water supply projects for cultivation in the Anuradhapura District will also be provided with seed paddy," he said.