Amaraweera calls for swift action in assessing rice crop damage amid looming drought

Tuesday, 8 August 2023 00:41 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In a bid to address the potential impact of an impending drought on rice cultivation, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has directed the Agriculture and Agrarian Insurance Board to promptly initiate assessments of crop damage.

The move comes in response to concerns voiced by farmers and was conveyed during a meeting at the Anuradhapura District Secretariat, where the Minister engaged with representatives from the North Central Province.

The Minister’s instructions were conveyed to the Agrarian Insurance Board Chairman W.M.M.B. Weerasekera following a productive discussion with local farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture underlines the importance of assessing the extent of damage caused by the looming drought to ensure timely support for the agricultural sector.

Minister Amaraweera underscored the significance of comprehensive compensation for affected farmers, expressing his belief that the currently proposed compensation rate of Rs. 100,000 per hectare may fall short of addressing the actual losses incurred.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the Minister indicated that last year’s allocation of Rs. 1.7 billion for crop damage may need to be exceeded this year due to the potential severity of the drought.

“We anticipate submitting a comprehensive report on the extent of the damage to rice cultivation as a consequence of the drought conditions to the President. We aim to provide compensation through the Agrarian Insurance Board,” he told journalists after the meeting.

He acknowledged the current compensation rate but stressed that efforts are being made to increase this amount, particularly in areas where the situation is more critical.

“At present, our ability to provide compensation is set at Rs. 100,000 per hectare. However, we recognise that unique challenges exist in some regions, prompting our focus on enhancing the compensation amount. Until such time, we will continue to offer the existing Rs. 100,000 per hectare compensation,” Minister Amaraweera emphasised.