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| Sunday, 16 October 2005 |
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University products to farm lands - Hemakumara by Ananda Kannangara
Galle district UNP MP Hemakumara Wickramathilaka Nanayakkara in an interview with the Sunday Observer said that a massive agricultural program will be implemented under a UNP Government to improve the country's agricultural sector. Below are excerpts of the interview: Question: You have said that under a UNP Government 50,000 youth will be recruited into the field of agriculture could you elaborate your plan? Answer: Unlike in our country, the services of educated youth who are qualified in latest techniques in the field of agriculture are recruited to develop this sector in most countries. So the time has come for us also to follow the same principle. Q: What are the educational qualifications you think that the youth need, to improve the agricultural sector and how do you plan to deploy them at various agricultural projects to make the program a success? A: Youth who are university educated diploma holders as well as Advanced Level and Ordinary Level qualified can be recruited to this field. Under this novel program we also expect to develop a large extent of untouched agricultural lands in the country with the help of these youth. Some lands are also suitable for large scale animal husbandry projects. Q: Most farmer families in our country are not financially stable. Do you have any plans to help them ? A: The UNP has never isolated farmer families. As you are aware several loan schemes for farmers were implemented by us even during the time we initiated the giant Mahaweli project. We will continue with many more loan schemes for farmers even in the future. Q: Can you elaborate on the benefits, the UNP wishes to grant the farmer community, if elected to power ? A: We expect to grant loans up to Rs. 200,000 for those engaged in the tea cultivation and the coconut plantations. People engaged in cattle farming, horticulture and various other agricultural sectors will also be helped financially through state banks by providing low interest loans. In addition to this, houses will be constructed for workers, engaged in rubber and tea plantations. Q: A large number of our farmers are in debt due to the sudden destruction of their crops following floods or similar natural disasters. Some are not in a position even to repay their debts. How do you respond to this ? A: After a careful study of the bank loans obtained by farmers, we will take a decision to write off the loans completely. Q: Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse is going to offer a hearty meal to children every day. How do you see this? A: It is a great thing if a free hearty meal can be given to school children. But to implement such a program is a very difficult task. No one on earth would believe such a statement. It is believable if he says that he would give a cup of milk, a bun or uniform material. Not like those days, people in the country cannot be deceived with such unbelievable statements. They know that they are just political pledges. Q: How does Ranil Wickremesinghe's pledge that he would give all varieties of fertilizers at an affordable price of Rs 550 at a time the world market prices have gone up? A: Our leader makes pledges if only he can fulfil them. He does not make promises that he cannot keep. We know how the JVP once promised to give fertilizer at Rs. 350 and deceived the entire farmer community. They also promised to remove the World Bank plug and bring down the cost of living. But our leader is not like them, he will stick on to his promises. Therefore we are confident that he would give fertilizer at Rs. 350. We will also pay Rs. 25 for a litre of milk to cattle farmers. We will buy paddy at a fixed rate of Rs. 17. We will also set up milk producing centres in the villages and give fresh packeted milk to consumers. Q: In addition to this what are the other benefits you grant for the farmer community? A: For the first time in our history we will introduce a debit card system (Sahana bara path) for farmers to enable them to purchase fertilizer and other agricultural equipment at a time they do not have enough with them. The credit limit is considered according to the extent of the land they cultivate. In addition to this Swarnaboomi and Jayaboomi title holders will be given permanent title deeds. Q: What is the "Gami Pubuduwa" program? A: Under the "Gemi Pubuduwa" program, each village is given an annual grant of Rs 10 lakhs. This money can be used to develop schools, hospitals and highways in the respective villages. |
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