Cash bonanza for cultivation of abandoned paddy lands

Wednesday, 20 July 2011 00:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government will provide financial assistance to farmers who cultivate abandoned paddy lands.

Accordingly a sum of Rupees 20,000 will be paid for each acre of new cultivation.

This was stated by the Prime Minister D.M.Jayaratne addressing a ceremony held in Gampola recently in connection with preparation of abandoned paddy lands for cultivation.

The Prime Minister further said that all abandoned paddy lands will be re-cultivated soon, and this subject has drawn the special attention of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Premier expressed confidence that Sri Lanka will be able to export rice as in the past once all the available paddy lands are cultivated. He added that stern action will be taken against the unscrupulous businessmen who misuse government lands.