Model agri-villages to boost farmer output
by L. S. Ananda Wedaarachchi
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K. E. Karunatileke.
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Two Hundred model Agri-villages will be setup islandwide next year to
introduce the latest agri-techniques and systems to farmers and agri-entrepreneurs
said Agriculture Ministry Secretary K.E. Karunatileka.
He said that farmers should be accustomed to make use of the new
techniques and systems initiated by the research institutions and the
Agriculture Department to increase production.
Under the proposed scheme the farmers will work as groups in Agri-villages
where resources are pooled to maximise the output and farmer efficiency.
Pre and post harvest waste can also be minimised Model home gardens
will be setup with the assistance of the Agriculture Department in the
agri-villages, the Secretary, said.
Over Rs. 20 million has been provided for next year to setup the agri
villages.
It is essential to increase the production of paddy and other food
crops, to cut down imports and increase exports. This can be achieved
only through the effective participation on the part of farmers, the
Secretary said.
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