The Ministry of Agriculture is ready to provide 1.8 Mn. school children with nutrition diet under the assistance of Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations.

Sky rocketing food prices and the shortage of food caused by the prevailing economic crisis of the country have had enormous impact on nutrition of school children.

In consideration of this unfortunate situation, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has agreed to support a programme of establishing nutrition of pupils learning in primary sections. The value of the financial support is US $ 27 Million.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health in association with the National Food Promotion Board have jointly planned to provide this lunch containing nutritious ingredients.

A discussion in this regard chaired by Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera was held yesterday (13) at the Ministry of Agriculture. Officials of the Ministry and representatives of Education and Health Ministries attended the discussion.

With the objective of increasing nutrition of school children, it is due to provide them with a plate of Fortified Rice for lunch which contains Folic Acid, Iron and Vitamin.

Accordingly, each pupil will be given a plate of rice weighing 75 g. a day.

The Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation, Mahinda Amaraweera instructed officials who attended the meeting to take measures to give one egg each a day to all pupils receiving this nutritious diet.

It has been estimated that 82 Metric Tons of Rice is required per day to implement this programme. The Minister agreed to release that rice requirement through the Paddy Marketing Board.