The Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Program (SAPP) Distributes Tractors to Groundnut Production Farmer Organizations.
The distribution of tractors to groundnut production farmer organizations, under the ‘FRIENDS’ 4P Value Chain Development Project of the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Program (SAPP) implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, was held today (30th) at the Govijana Mandiraya , presided over by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Mr. K.D. Lal Kantha and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Mr. Namal Karunaratne.
This project is currently being implemented in the areas of Galewela, Naula, Mahiyanganaya, Ridimaliyadda, and Kobeigane. These tractors will help farmers carry out their production activities more easily in order to increase local groundnut production.
Mr. K.D. Lal Kantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation, expressed his views while participating in this event.
“ Our main responsibility is to ensure food security. The next matter is strengthening the rural economy. Right now there is no food shortage in the country. We are happy about that. Even with El Nino or whatever else comes, we won’t face any problem regarding food security. We import groundnuts from abroad. But groundnuts in our country are tastier and of good quality. It would be good if we could stop the imports. This program provides great support for that purpose. This is in line with our national program. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this program. The next major part of this lies in the hands of the farmer organizations. The enthusiasm that exists when receiving these things tends to fade after a few days. Therefore, this must be monitored. Follow-up is important. This tractor is worth around 6.3 million rupees (63 lakhs).
We must move forward with import substitution products. In Sri Lanka, news reporting focuses on a mistake somewhere, even when ninety-nine good things are happening. Everything being built up in the country is negative. Therefore, let us move this forward in a positive direction.
Even though farmers cultivate for themselves, a national need is also fulfilled through that. That is why farmers are considered a national resource. On your behalf, the people of this country invest large sums of money for irrigation, agricultural roads, culverts, and fertilizer subsidies. For everything, the general public of this country makes a great sacrifice. Therefore, the farmer must always consider the consumer’s perspective as well. It is not just the price of paddy; one must also consider the price of rice. Some people propose paying 150 rupees for paddy, but everyone needs to think about the common good alongside their own interests.
This project is an excellent example. Let us follow up on it and take it forward.”
Mr. Namal Karunaratne, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, also expressed his views on this occasion.
“We took over the Ministry and within this short period, we have initiated a major program. We must obtain a higher yield using our limited land area. Last year, we were able to stop the import of green gram. In that effort, farming community of the Hambantota District made the greatest contribution. We import a considerable quantity of groundnuts. This program is being implemented with a focus on that matter.
Along with increasing the harvest, we must also solve the market problem. We are currently taking steps in that direction. We must add value to our products. Join us, with promising hopes.
Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Mr. D.P. Wickremasinghe and a group of officials, participated on this occasion.
