Rice Research Station in Ampara opened:

New technology to increase paddy production

I. L. M. Rizan Addalaichenai Central Correspondent

Changes should be brought to the agricultural sector according to the global climatic changes, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abewardena said.

He was addressing the ceremony to open the Rice Research Station constructed at Rs 110 million at Sammanthurai in the Ampara District recently.

He said farmers in the province should make the best use of the Rice Research Station through the new technology and new varieties of paddy introduced.

Thus, the production of paddy will be increased. The minister said due to the war that existed for nearly 30 years, the agricultural sector was badly affected. But due to the allocation of more funds for agriculture in 2009 from the Budget by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, vast strides were made in the sector.

During the war period, buildings and basic facilities belonging to the Agriculture Department were badly damaged. But even then, the government gave priority to establishing a Rice Research Station in the Eastern Province for the benefit of farmers of the province. Between two seasons, green gram should be cultivated to realize an increased production.

In the Hambanthota District last year, 8,000 metric tons of green gram were harvested and the farmers derived a high profit. Similarly, if farmers of this district take up cultivation of green gram, the Agriculture Department is prepared to render assistance.

The minister said the island is divided into five agricultural zones.

The Ampara District is providing 20 percent of the rice requirement for the country.