Seed paddy, maize seeds on credit basis to drought-affected farmers

Wednesday, 11 October 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government is prepared to provide seed paddy and maize seeds on credit basis to drought-affected farmers who are unable to afford it.

A 50 percent subsidy scheme is also being launched in this connection, Agriculture Minister Duminda Dissanayake said.

The minister said so explaining the relief measures taken for the benefit of drought-affected farmers who are in a dilemma on starting the forthcoming Maha cultivation work.

He added that the President and the government had been apprised of the current drought situation and the proposed relief measures to be adopted to help affected farmers to survive.

The minister said farmer organizations have informed him that a majority of victimized farmers have spent the fertilizer subsidy granted to them for cultivation purposes during the post-Kannas for sustenance and maintenance of their families.

Hence, there was a request from farmers to offer the fertilizer subsidy for the forthcoming Maha season.

“This is a pathetic situation. As there is no other alternative, I have instructed the fertilizer companies to issue a subsidy where it is essential on credit basis to farmers on the condition to settle the value of the fertilizer from the harvest at the first instance. We hope that the forthcoming Maha season would be productive,” the minister stated.