Parliament

Solutions to farmer problems have been provided - Minister Chandrasena

Sandasena MARASINGHE, Irangika RANGE and Disna MUDALIGE

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa presided, when Parliament met at 9.30 am yesterday. After the presentation of Papers and Oral questions, the House took up the Committee Stage debate of the Appropriation Bill 2013. The Financial Heads under the Ministries of Agriculture, Agrarian Services and Wildlife, Livestock and Rural Community Development and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development were taken up for debate.

Many farmers are still to receive their pensions

P. Harison (UNP): Many farmers have contributed to the farmers’ pension scheme. But this money had not been paid to them. About 100,000 farmers are receiving this pension, while another 1 million had contributed to it. Please make arrangements to continue this pension scheme smoothly.

Recently, it was found that a ‘Kohila’ curry in the Parliament canteen had contained arsenic. This dish had not been served and a special investigation had been ordered. However, ordinary people outside Parliament could have consumed the same Kohia curry ignorant of the arsenic. This issue is a serious problem should be looked into promptly. I request the government to thoroughly check the fertilizer being imported to the country.

Agrarian Services and Wildlife Minister S. M. Chandrasena: The solutions to farmer problems stagnating for many years, have been provided from this budget. The fertilizer subsidy had been continued, despite the heavy burden the Treasury has to bear.

When this move was initiated, the farmers had doubts concerning the continuation of this programme. However, we have proved that it was practical. The President is of the view that the fertilizer subsidy was an investment. Yes, it became a valuable investment and the result had been self sufficiency from rice.

We have proposed to promote organic fertilizer as a remedy for the arsenic issue. The certified price for paddy had been increased to Rs. 32 to 35. If rice in produced with the use of organic fertilizer, 1kg would be perchased at Rs. 40. We intend limiting the import of chemical fertilizer and saving the money.

The Economic Development Ministry commenced the ‘Divi Neguma’ programme and free seeds have been being distributed to each household. This move had contributed to control vegetable prices in the market.

Sri Lanka has about 6,000 wild elephants. In 1950, about 41 percent of the country’s land had been available to these animals and the elephant population had been just 2000. But today, the land available for these animals had reduced to 21 percent and the elephant population had increased. Therefore there is a serious conflict.

We have introduced scientific solutions to address this problem. We are now constructing four elephant conservation centres.

Pon Selvarasa (TNA): The lands in Batticaloa are being encroached. The government is not taking action to rectify the problem. There are about 25,000 fisher families in Batticaloa. However, youths in these families must be trained to engage in deep sea fishing. There are about 2000 widows among these fishing families. They must be provided with necessary facilities.

S. Thowfeek (UPFA): An accelerated development programme is taking place in the Eastern Province. The road network had been renovated and the people can travel faster now. About 125,000 acres of land in this province have been cultivated. During the war, agriculture had been abandoned and only abut 25,000 acres cultivated.

The Divi Neguma programme is also being carried out to improve the economy of the people and provide them with alternative livelihoods.

Anura Dissanayake (DNA): Sri Lanka imported cattle from Australia recently. These cattle had been ill and had not been reported in Sri Lanka since 1968. Research had confirmed this. It has been reported that Sri Lanka was to store valuable local genes in Korea. I want to know whether this report was correct.

Sri Lanka should protect local genes through the Gene Research Institute. It is not wise to store them in Korea at a time when gene piracy had become a serious problem.

The government is beautifying the environment around the tanks.This measure is not to boost agriculture. The government is no more keen on agricultural economy. It heavily depends on tourism and the beautification of the environment surrounding the tanks to promote tourism.

Human–Elephant conflict a major problem

Culture and Arts Minister T.B. Ekanayake:

The Human–elephant conflict has become a major problem in Sri Lanka. It has turned worse due to the acceleration of the Mahaweli Development Programme. Several jungles too had been destroyed due to it. The Wild Life Conservation Department was established with the objective of protecting wild elephants as well as the wild life in Sri Lanka. It is necessary to implement proper programmes to solve the human-elephant conflict. According to the census conducted recently, the elephants population in Sri Lanka is 5,879. Out of the total elephant population, only two percent are tuskers.

Deputy Chairman of Committees, Chandrakumar Murugesu takes the Chair:

Govt has put the farmers into difficulty

Sajith Premadasa (UNP): The government has completely ignored the implementation of the Farmer Pension Scheme. Though many government ministers had given their pledge with regard to the implementation of the farmer pension scheme on many occasions in Parliament, non of the promises had been fulfilled so far.

These members have totally misled the House. So I urge the government to take immediate steps to recommence the pension scheme.

The government made a promise that the bank loans of farmers would be cut off during the last North Central Provincial Council election. But so far the farmers are still paying back their loans along with the interest.

The government has put innocent farmers into difficulties today.

Cancer spreading rapidly in the country

Ven. Athureliye Rathana Thera (JHU): It is reported that cancer was spreading rapidly throughout the country. Around 189,000 cancer patients have obtained medical treatment from the Maharagama Cancer hospital last year.

It has been revealed that arsenic was one of the reasons for the cause of cancer. Therefore, we should have to find a proper methodology to solve this problem.

Gamini Jayawickrama Perera (UNP): The government should formulate a proper programme to produce seeds required for local cultivation within the country. It is necessary to implement special programmes to produce seeds to cater to the needs of local farmers.

Any type of plant could be grown on this land. So why don’t we cultivate them?

Some time back, I had established villages for various types of plants such as villages for curry leaves or villages for pepper. With such a measure, we could give a lease of life to farmers, not pressure them to commit suicide.

Govt has taken measures to provide relief to the fisherfolk

Social Services Senior Minister Milroy Fernando: The government took measures to provide relief to the fisherfolk by providing fuel subsidies during the time when fuel prices had increased in the world market.

The fisherfolk in our district are having problems concerning fishing nets. Some people had attempted to use tractors to draw the ‘Madel’ from the sea. However, the minister took measures to prevent it and urged them to do it in the traditional method, which was appreciable.

The ornamental fish industry too was developed in our areas with the support of the Divi Neguma project under the leadership of Minister Basil Rajapaksa. Some fresh water fishermen use banned fishing nets. In the Wahalkada tank, this was being practised and all these nets were seized. By the use of these banned nets, very small fish are caught, which would affect the industry in the long run.

Ranjith Madduma Bandara (UNP)

The Budget has allocated only 40% for the Agricultural Ministry out of the government’s expenditure.

Today the contribution of agriculture to the GDP is 11 percent. It has been reduced drastically.

The government’s projects of giving fertilizer subsidy is appreciable, but it was not the factor that made the country self sufficient with rice, but the fact that leaders such as D. S. Senanayake, constructed reservoirs such as Gal Oya and Minipe.

Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena:

Agriculture is a very important sector in the country. Anybody could criticize it in whatever way they want. There was a period when governments’ thought of importing crops from whatever country they thought cheap.

However, President Mahinda Rajapaksa changed it. The seeds were developed to be distributed among farmers. This budget has allocated Rs 100 million for this purpose. Now we have banned the import of seed onions. We have 6,000 kg of seeds of big onions and the need is 35,000 kg. Now big onion farmers have storage facilities for 6 months. So they have bargaining power.

Now for brinjals and tomatoes we have hybrid seeds. We have imported only 1,200 metric tonnes of potatoes. Our potato seeds and other vegetable seeds have a two fold harvest, compared to the harvest of imported seeds.

At present, we do not export bulk tea, but now we export value added tea. So the income from these products have increased. That is one reason that the proportion of agriculture products in the GDP had been reduced.

Mahinda Yapa:

We have distributed seed paddy free of charge to farmers. During this harvest season alone, we had distributed 287,000 bushals of seed paddy free of charge. Our seed paddy storage capacity is limited. We can store seed paddy only for 2 harvest seasons. If cultivations of two harvest seasons get destroyed, we would be in trouble. So we have to expand our storage capacity.

Sivasakthy Anandan (TNA):

The people in the ‘North and the East, depend heavily on agriculture and livestock. They are hardworking people. In Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi, a large number of tractors belonging to farmers have been misplaced during the war. Those tractors must be handed over to the owners once again. The dilapidated tanks in these areas too should be renovated.

A H M Azwer takes the Chair

State Resources and Enterprise Development Miniser Sarath Kumara Gunaratne:

The Government has allocated a greater sum of money for the improvement of the fisheries industry. Local fish production has been encouraged. Today, we can directly purchase fish from fishermen without the middlemen.

We have traditional fishing methods. We have to breed more and more fish to increase our fish population. A new innovative system had been implemented to arrest coastal erosion. This new system has been highly successful in Uswetakeiyawa.

Encroachment of Indian fishermen must be stopped

Niroshan Perera (UNP):

Encroachment of Indian fishermen into our maritime boundary, should be looked into. They are taking advantage of our fishing resources, which belongs to our country. This issue must be solved through negotiations. Recently, certain politicians in India have pressurized the Central Indian Government to demand the ownership of the Katchchativu Islands. The existing problems in the fisheries sector must be identified. It is only by strengthening the hands of fishermen that we could develop the fisheries industry.

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody takes the Chair

Murugesu Chandrakumar (UPFA):

I take this opportunity to appreciate the work done for the welfare of the fishing community in the North and the East after the war.

The minister has been attempting to revive the fisheries sector in these areas. Private fish markets have been established in the Northern Province. However, the fishermen were not receiving satisfactory prices for their catch in these markets. I request the government to establish a permanent stall to purchase fish from these fishermen.

Ajith Kumara (Independent): This budget is not a production-oriented budget. It mainly facilitates the obtaining of loans, imposing taxes and selling. The government spends colossal amounts of money on festivals. For example, for the Deyata Kirula Exhibition, the Govt had spent Rs. 60 billion during the last two years.

The recommended per capita fish consumption per day is 60 grams. However, we are still far behind this level. People in some areas do not eat fish at all.

Budget has provided Rs. 2 billion for infrastructure development

S.C. Muthukumarana (UPFA): The budget has allocated a sum of Rs. 2 billion to develop the infrastructure facilities in the agriculture sector. It is necessary to develop the irrigation systems throughout the country, if we expect an improvement in agriculture. Otherwise, farmers would have to face severe difficulties, specially during a drought.

The budget has also allocated a large sum of money for reforestation. Our target is to increase the forest cover from 18 percent to 30 percent by utilising these funds during the reforestation programme.

Farmers should be paid their pensions

Chandrani Bandara (UNP): Both Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts are the main producers of paddy to the entire country. But these paddy farmers are in severe hardships today, due to the recent drought. No compensation had been made available to them. I also request the government to take steps to pay the farmers their pensions.

Fishing industry threatened due to illegal migration

Social Services Minister Felix Perera: Unlawful migration to Australia has increased. Around one percent of our future generation has been engaged in the fishing industry. It is reported that most of the fishermen had been involved in illegal migrations. So, the future of the fishing industry is being threatened due these illegal migrations.

A. Adaikkalanthan (TNA): Farmers of the North and East had been badly affected by the recent drought. They should be provided with proper compensation. Atleast, measures must be taken to write off their loans along with the interests.

V.K. Indika (UPFA): A massive development drive is taking place in the country. The country is self-sufficient in rice. Action has also been taken to safeguard the fishing industry. Fishermen have been provided with many subsidies. Actually, it is a great relief to them.

Hareen Fernando (UNP): It is the founder of the UNP who made a statement that farmers are suitable to be crowned once they washed away the mud.

Ministers have published full page advertisements to convey birthday messages to the President. This is the novel art of securing their posts without working. Who ultimately pays for these advertisements? This is public money. These ministers do not perform any public service.

Deputy Chairman of Committees Murugesu Chandrakumar takes the Chair

Livestock and Rural Community Development Deputy Minister H. R. Mithrapala:

We have paid attention to the production of milk and eggs. The milk industry has been rapidly improving. Our target is to locally produce 50 percent of the milk requirements within the country. For the moment, we produce only 40 percent of the milk required. This percentage has been about 20 percent a few years ago.

So, this was a 100 percent increase in milk production. We also imported milch cows from Australia and those cows were of a high standard. We have been able to get a better quantity of milk per day from each cow. One MP said that these cows were ill, which was not true. It was a misleading statement by MP Anura Dissanayake. We have 302 veterinarian centres in the country. These veterinarians are given transport facilities to treat the cows.

Milko is the main milk related factory we possess. This factory should be modernized. Its machines are outdated. The target of the government is to make Sri Lanka self sufficient from milk by year 2016. We are committed to achieving this goal.

A green revolution to attain self sufficiency should be commenced

V. S. Radhakrishnan (UPFA): The agricultural sector does a vital role in the country. Sophisticated modern technology should be introduced to this sector. These modern technologies must be pragmatic and should be passed on to the farmers. There should be an environment where the agro-products of farmers could be marketed for higher prices. When this does not happen, the farmers turn desperate and discouraged. Sri Lanka should commence a green revolution to attain self sufficiency in food. The proposal of the President to distribute non cultivated land to cultivate vegetables and other crops is commendable.

Palitha Range Bandara (UNP): The crop insurance scheme is not a new initiative under the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’. This kind of insurance scheme had been in existence in the past and there had been occasions when the farmers had been compensated for crop damages. What this budgetary proposal means is that the price of a fertilizer bag would be increased by another Rs. 150.

I ask in which insurance company has this money been deposited?

When taking account of the illegal migrants to Australia, it can be seen that most of them have been involved in fishing. It they could live happily here, they would not leave the country.

Country’s fish production has increased

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne: Certain opposition MPs brought out many incorrect facts with malicious intentions. I would not spend my time in answering them. But I would like to concentrate on the constructive criticisms and suggestions brought out by some MPs.

The country’s fish production has increased up to 445,000 metric tonnes last year. This was a record. The fresh water fish production has also increased upto 62,580 metric tonnes.

We have distributed 6 million rupees worth of fingerlings among the fishermen in the North. Today the fish production yield from the Northern Province was massive. The growth of the fresh water fish production of the GDP is 9.2 percent, while sea water fish production is 34 percent of the GDP. It is reported that 72% of the population consume fish. A daily consumption of fish is 38 grams.

Prawn cultivation too had been developed in the North and East. Fish exports have also gone up. The income generated through the export of fish had been Rs. 20,000 million last year. Import of dry fish and Maldive fish had come down.

Under the “Divi Neguma” programme, dry fish, Maldive fish production and sprats production had increased.

There are four canned fish manufacturing factories in Sri Lanka. We have taken measures to sell canned fish at reasonable prices through Sathosa outlets. We have also expanded sales outlets of the Fisheries Corporation.

The government has provided a number of subsidies to fishermen. A pension scheme and fuel subsidy are some of them.

Plans drawn to increase local milk production

Eric Fernando (UPFA): Plans have been drawn to increase the local milk production. Our target is to fulfil 75% of the local milk demand this year. Sufficient funds have been allocated through this budget to achieve this target. We currently spend US$ 365 million to import milk powder. We can save those funds if we are able to improve the milk production.

Sunny Rohana Kodithuwakku (UPFA):

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody takes the Chair:

Agriculture is one of the main factors of the economic growth. In Sri Lanka, 32 percent of the rural people out of the total population, is engaged in agriculture. The government had understand the importance of agriculture development and doubled the funds allocated to the sector.

Roshan Ranasinghe (UPFA): The certified prices of a kilo of paddy and a litre of milk has been increased. This is a great relief to both paddy and dairy farmers.

The percentage of the local milk production has increased up to 40 percent. This is a significant achievement.

Rapid growth in Ornamental Fish Industry

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Susantha Punchinilame: The ornamental fish industry has experienced a rapid growth in the recent past, due to the State’s involvement. We have targeted to increase the volume of fish exports and earn high foreign exchange.

The human-elephant conflict has become a burning problem today. It is necessary to take appropriate steps to protect elephant resources.

Victor Anthony (UPFA): The government has given priority to strengthen the fishing industry while preserving fish resources. Necessary measures have also been taken to provide the consumers with quality fish at affordable prices.

Finance Heads of the Agriculture Ministry, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry, Agrarian Services and Wildlife and Livestock and Rural Community Development were passed without amendments.

House was adjourned until 9.30 a.m today.

AT ADJOURNMENT

President provides Rs 200 m to control ‘Leaf wilt disease’

Coconut Development and Janatha Estates Development Minister Jagath Pushpakumara, yesterday said in Parliament, that the President had provisioned Rs 200 million for measures to be taken to control the Weligama ‘Leaf Wilt Disease’ found in the Southern Province.

He made this observation in response to an adjournment motion moved by UPFA MP Vijitha Berugoda.

Vijitha Berugoda (UPFA):

Coconut cultivation has been affected from the Weligama ‘Leaf Wilt Disease.’ This disease had spread in Galle, Matara and Hambantota. Measures should be taken to control this disease and thereby boost the coconut production in the country.

UPFA MP Shantha Bandara also spoke:

Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Minister Jagath Pushpakumara:

The Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt disease has been identified in 2006. The disease had been under control now. The trees infected by the disease have been removed. In the Hambantota district most of the trees infected had already been removed. About 75,000 more trees in the Southern Province may need to be felled. So far about 175,000 trees have been felled. The situation in Galle is also under control. The President has provisioned Rs 200 million to take measures to control this disease. We have now introduced coconut varieties resistant to this disease and also promoting these varities.

The coconut production in the country had been encouraged and the Ministry is committed towards this task.