The preliminary discussion for planning cultivation activities for the 2026/27 Maha season was held at the Govijana Mandiraya.
Colombo: A special preliminary discussion on successfully planning the upcoming 2026/27 Maha season was held yesterday (08th) at the Govijana Mandiraya, presided over by Mr. K.D. Lal Kantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation.
A number of responsible officials from institutions including the Department of Meteorology, Water Management Secretariat, Department of Irrigation, Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Development and National Fertilizer Secretariat took part in this discussion.
Speaking on this occasion, officials of the Department of Meteorology pointed out that the weather changes occurring alongside the El Nino condition could directly impact agriculture. Therefore, the importance of farmers organizing their cultivation activities through advance planning, in line with these conditions, was emphasized.
It was also pointed out by the Water Management Secretariat that Sri Lanka is expected to receive minimal rainfall during the period from the coming December to April. Therefore, it was explained that in order to manage water to the maximum extent, it would be more suitable to begin paddy cultivation activities in early October.
Accordingly, a schedule was also proposed for when cultivation activities should begin in the various zones:
Walawe zone: October 01
Alla zone: October 15
Kawudulla zone: November 01
Elahera zone: November 10
It was further emphasized that by starting paddy cultivation promptly in this manner, it would be possible to obtain a successful harvest while managing the existing water resources effectively.
Joining the discussion, the National Fertilizer Secretariat stated that sufficient fertilizer is available for the paddy cultivation of the upcoming Maha season. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture confirmed that enough seed paddy is available for the country’s needs. Under these facilities, the government expects to carry out paddy cultivation on eight hundred thousand hectares during this Maha season.
Speaking on this occasion, Minister K.D. Lal Kantha emphasized the importance of starting cultivation activities at the proper time, in line with the relevant technical recommendations. The Minister stated that farmers should especially be encouraged to follow the technical packages introduced by the Department of Agriculture and that awareness programs should be carried out to reach every farmer for this purpose.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne stated that this was a preliminary discussion and that the upcoming final discussion will be held on September 18 at Gannoruwa, where the final decision on the proposals will be made.
A number of government officials, including the Ministry Secretary Mr. D.P. Wickremasinghe, participated in this occasion.
