Paddy farmers to receive 6.98 million litres of diesel donated by China for agricultural purpose from tomorrow (09)

The Chinese government donated 10.06 million litres of diesel to the people in Sri Lanka who are engaged in agricultural and fisheries sectors, taking into account the financial difficulties faced by them, upon the request made by President Ranil Wickramasinghe.

Accordingly, 6.98 million litres of diesel was provided for agricultural purpose and the rest of the fuel was given for fisheries industry.

Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera, the Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation instructed the officials of the Ministry to provide the diesel free of charge to the farmers at the time of harvesting since paddy farmers had already finished their cultivation by the time the fuel stock was received.

Mr.A.M.H.L.Aberathne, Commissioner General of the Department of Agrarian Development stated that the Department has made arrangements to commence the distribution of fuel free of charge to paddy farmers from tomorrow (09) since paddy harvesting in certain areas in the country will start by the end of January.

This stock of fuel is planned to be given to each farmer through a special voucher online and the official issuance of the voucher will take place tomorrow (09) at 11.00 a.m. at the Ministry of Agriculture by Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera, the Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation.

Under this programme, steps have been taken to provide free fuel to the farmers who cultivate paddy from half an acre to two hectares. Accordingly, arrangements have been made to provide 15 litres of diesel for one hectare and 30 litres of diesel for two hectares.

The Minister Mahinda Amaraweera states that under the programme implemented by the government to provide relief to paddy farmers in this Maha season, a subsidy of nearly Rs.150, 000 has been given to a farmer who cultivates one hectare including the subsidies received from the government and the international community.