Bountiful harvest in Kilinochchi, Mannar
by L. S. Ananda Wedaarachchi
Kilinochchi and Mannar districts recorded a bountiful paddy harvest
of 51,470 MT and 47,600 MT during the recent Maha season, said
Agriculture Development Ministry Secretary K. E. Karunatileka.
He said that the paddy harvest in some districts was partly destroyed
by the recent heavy rains and resulting floods.
Karunatileka said only 68 percent of the harvest in the Maha season
was reaped. All paddy fields in the island will be cultivated during the
Yala season, the Secretary said.
Damaged tanks and canals have been renovated. Seedpaddy and
fertiliser are given free to re-cultivate destroyed paddy fields, he
said.
Meanwhile, the Paddy Marketing Board has been instructed to purchase
as much paddy as possible from the farmers and maintain stocks to meet
any emergency situation, he said.
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