Paddy cultivation severely affected by drought

Colombo Page: Ministry of Agriculture sources say that around 20,000 hectares of paddy cultivation is under threat of destruction due to shortage of irrigated water and rains.

An estimated 600,000 metric tons of paddy may be lost due to the crisis, Ministry sources say.

However, the Minister of Irrigation and Water Management Nimal Siripala de Silva says that the government cannot take the responsibility of the situation since the farmers have not followed the instructions provided by the authorities.

He pointed out that the Irrigation Department with a view of possible water shortage advised the farmers to refrain from cultivating paddy and turn to other crops.  The Minister also pointed out that certain farmers are still cultivating despite being aware of the water crisis aiming to claim for compensation.