Rs. 2.2 b package for drought-hit farmers

by L.S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

The Government has approved a Rs.2.2 billion package for drought-hit farmers, said Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.

He said that over 35,000 hectares of paddy fields in the North Central Province, Kurunegala and Mannar districts had been destroyed due to the drought.

Several relief measures will be provided to drought-hit farmers. The Government has already deferred the repayment of farmers’ loans, the Minister said.

Farmers will be given a monthly allowance of Rs. 6,000 and they will be assigned to tank de-silting work in the NCP. Over 5,000 agro wells will also be built near the tanks and wells will be renovated soon.

The drought-hit farmers have been asked to work on those projects to earn a living, the Minister said.