President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last week called for more local produce following the halt of grain imports.

Addressing a political rally in Anuradhapura, the President said now is the time for local farmers to increase their production aiming at both local and foreign markets, and earn more as importation of grains has been restricted. 

The President called upon framing community to engage themselves in mass cultivation of grains such as Maize, Undu, Mun, Cowpea and Kurakkan.

Farmers conveyed the President that they are capable of delivering good produce if they receive their water supply and fertilisers in time. The President also highlighted the importance of using more organic fertiliser for agricultural purposes. 

In Horowpathana the villagers informed the President that the development process has been delayed due to the issues relating to the prevailing contract system. They further said that Aloe vera, paddy and maize cultivation is also successful in their areas. President Rajapaksa also paid his attention to the steps taken to curb the spread of kidney diseases and the problems related to the lack of storage facilities for the farmer community.