Farmers to get relief

by S.M. Wijayaratne, Kurunegala Cor.

The Government will provide all farmers with quality seed paddy free during next season as they suffered heavy losses during the past several weeks due to bad weather conditions and floods.

The Ministry of Agriculture will provide free seed paddy and compensations to the affected farmers countrywide to carry out their cultivation without any interruption. Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene told the "Sunday Observer" that his ministry holds adequate stocks of seed paddy for purpose.

However, the assistance of private sector too would be sought if needed in this regard.

Not only paddy farmers, but farmers who cultivate green vegetables too would be assisted by providing free quality vegetable seeds.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture R.M.D.B. Meegasmulla has already instructed all Asst.Directors of Agriculture to look for ways and means to help flood -hit farmers and to estimate the damages during the recent unfavourable weather conditions to compensate them.