Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
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Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera announced yesterday that the sector is making strides towards growth and modernisation, driven by the new fertiliser policy implemented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
He said by modernising agricultural practices, providing necessary support to farmers, and fostering sustainable development, the Government aims to propel the sector towards increased productivity, economic growth and food security.
“A total of 512,000 hectares of paddy fields were cultivated in the Yala season, marking a significant achievement after a decade of decline. This success comes as part of President Wickremesinghe’s strategy to revitalise and modernise the agricultural industry,” he told journalists themed ‘One Year of Progress’ organised by the PMC yesterday.
Minister Amaraweera acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers and highlighted the prompt action taken by President Wickremesinghe to address their concerns.
“The President’s interventions included negotiating with the Indian Government to secure fertiliser imports and providing financial aid and fuel to support farming activities. The return of farmers to their fields resulted in the cultivation of 512,000 hectares, the highest recorded figure in the Yala season in ten years. The country also saved $ 400 million as the farmers have resumed cultivation,” he added.
Minister Amaraweera stated that the Government aims to produce 80% of the nation’s agricultural output by 2025, leveraging contemporary technologies to enhance fruit and vegetable production for export and reduce the reliance on imported agricultural products.
As per him, the average yield of paddy in is about 3.7 tons per hectare. A set of farmers from Hambantota have been able to obtain 10.25 metric tons of paddy per hectare by following good agricultural practices and using quality seed materials. Therefore, he said the primary goal is to double the current average annual yield for paddy by six seasons from 3.7 tons to 7.4. tons.
“The Government’s efforts to improve agricultural productivity extend beyond paddy cultivation. Plans are underway to increase maize yields from the current average of 3.7 tons per hectare to 60 metric tons by the end of 2026. High-tech model cultivation plots will be established as pilot projects for both crops and livestock in each province, in collaboration with Provincial Councils, the Central Government, the private sector, and universities,” he explained.
He stressed that these efforts are expected to boost the overall agricultural sector and drive economic growth.
The Minister also emphasised the significance of the agricultural sector and its potential for global advancements, adding the introduction of modern technologies in agriculture and responded to criticism by affirming the Government’s commitment to enhancing production and yields. In terms of the ongoing efforts to modernise agriculture are underscored by the amendment of the Agricultural Services Act and the provision of subsidies for the cultivation of various crops, he emphasised that the Government aims to support farmers in transitioning to alternative crops that offer greater profitability.
“These initiatives are designed to improve income levels and encourage farmers to sustainably contribute to the country’s food security. President Wickremesinghe’s vision for the agricultural sector includes the establishment of an Agricultural Modernisation Secretariat within the Presidential Secretariat. This secretariat aims to address issues related to modernisation and develop roadmaps for each sub-sector, facilitating the adoption of modern technology, increasing farmer incomes, and boosting export revenues,” he added.
Under the leadership of Professor Gamini Senanayake from the University of Ruhuna, a national policy framework is being developed to guide the agricultural sector’s contribution to creating a ‘Developed Sri Lanka’ by 2048. This framework focuses on sustainable agricultural development, the production of export-oriented agricultural products, ensuring food security, and transforming youth into agribusiness entrepreneurs associated with new technology.
Agriculture Ministry Secretary Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Agriculture Director General P. Malathi, Agricultural Services Commissioner General A. H. M. L. Abeyratne, Fertilizer Corporation Chairman Dr. Jagath Perera, National Fertilizer Secretariat Director Chandana Lokuhewage were also present.
