Need for national agriculture policy vital - Kasthuri Anuradhanayaka

by Mohammed NAALIR

The agriculture, health and education sectors should be developed. Then only the province will achieve sustainable development. The state of each of these sectors will affect the other," North Central Province Chief UNP candidate, Kasthuri Anuradhanayaka told the Sunday Observer.

Q: Certain paddy purchasers take undue advantage, how can farmers be protected?

A: There is no proper mechanism in the cultivation and purchasing process of paddy. Farmers cultivate in an ad-hoc manner and paddy purchasers make use of the opportunity.

As people depend on agriculture, a special mechanism is crucial to improve the agriculture sector. A national agriculture policy should be formulated. Market demand and the price of certain crops exert an influence in the decision taken by farmers as to which crop to cultivate.

Attention must be focused on the development of education and health too.

The major problem in the North Central Province is how to eliminate kidney disease from the province.

Q: The storage capacity of major reservoirs has declined due to mud deposits. What is the solution?

A: Relevant authorities must unite to solve this issue. It can't be carried out individually. The experience of farmers, the knowledge of engineers and ancient technology must join together to implement the mud removing program and to develop the reservoirs.

Q: The use of chemical fertiliser is the cause of kidney disease in the province. Do you have any plan to promote compost fertiliser among farmers instead of chemical fertiliser?

A: The use of compost in the cultivation process would be a part of the solution.

A solution can't be found for kidney disease in the province only by promoting the use of compost fertiliser in the province.

Farmers must be coordinated in this program.

The addition of chemical waste to reservoirs should be prevented. A series of awareness campaigns were conducted in the province about kidney disease and the means to prevent it.

During an awareness campaign the authorities who took part recommended that a drinking water supply project should be implemented in kidney disease affected areas immediately.

Q: Do you have an idea to promote fruit cultivation in the province in addition to paddy and chillies?

A: The agriculture sector has turned into a dependant industry. Farmers are engaged in cultivation to cover the day-to-day expenses.

The assistance of the Government is crucial to implement mid term and long-term agriculture projects.

We talk about mid-term and long-term crop cultivation.

The mediation of the Government is crucial to implement mid-term and long-term agriculture projects to improve the living and economic standards of farmers in the province.

The Government should provide subsidies to encourage farmers.

Q: Will a fund be set up to help farmers during floods and drought?

A: A fund can't be limited to floods and drought because they are natural occurrences. Setting up a fund is good as a temporary measure.