President stresses Absolutely no transformation in green agriculture policy
Grants only for organic agriculture Identify flaws and plan for following Season
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stressed yesterday that the country’s agriculture policy will be based on a green agriculture structure that focuses on the unique usage of organic fertilizers.
President Rajapaksa said that the Government will only allocate organic fertilizer and offer sponsorships only for organic agriculture. The farmers should be properly informed. It is also vital to distinguish the chemical fertilizer gang that exists when implementing this. The President emphasized that the dedication of the officials was vital to make this policy triumphant.
The President made this observation at a special discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on the 22nd instant concerning the farming of the Maha Season and the provision of organic fertilizer.
The President questioned from officials at the district level about the farming of paddy and other crops in all parts of the country. The heavy rains that reigned have diminished the harvest of many crops including vegetables. Moreover, the delay in the distribution of organic manure impacted the cultivation pursuits during the Maha Season. However, at district level, cultivation activities have initiated in nearly 70% of the overall agricultural lands, the officials said.
The President pointed out that the reason behind farmers organizing protests and delaying cultivation was that they have not been properly taught. The President expressed his disapproval to the officials for not accurately educating the farmers. The President emphasized that the officials should work to find answers on behalf of the agitating farmers in accordance with the green agriculture policy and added that there is no obstacle for the officials who do not agree with the Government policy to leave.
The President also said that the support of a team that works clearly according to their conscience is needed for the success of this programme.
Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa, Governors Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke and Anuradha Yahampath, Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Heads of the Ministry of Agriculture and its affiliated line agencies and organic fertilizer manufacturers were also present.