The ban imposed on the importation of non-essential food items would be further continued despite the relaxing of strict measures countrywide, except for in four high-risk districts, in view of reviving economic activity, Minister of Agriculture Chamal Rajapaksa said yesterday (20). He told The Morning that the ban on the importation of certain food items would be continued so as to promote the local agriculture sector which saw a sudden boost during the quarantine days. However, after evaluating the local production of certain food items, if there was any shortage for local consumption, the Government would consider importing the respective items to fill the shortage, Rajapaksa explained. He further noted that if the Government relaxed the importation restrictions, the local farmers would be demotivated and they would move away from cultivation assuming they would not receive a proper price for their produce. In addition, the Minister also noted that steps have already been taken to import required seeds for cultivation from India. “Currently, we are holding Government to Government discussions with India to import seeds in short supply in local markets,” he said. Accordingly, the seed shortage would be rectified by the end of this month. By Maheesha Mudugamuwa