The Government has allocated Rs. 3 billion for immediate insurance compensation to farmers whose crops have been damaged by dry weather conditions.

Around 8,000 acres of farmland belonging to nearly 7,000 farmers in Monaragala, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, Anuradhapura and Ampara have been affected.

Farmers cultivating paddy, maize, big onion, potato, soybean and chilli will be eligible for compensation of Rs. 100,000 per hectare, subject to a maximum of five acres per farmer.

Farmers who have not reported crop damage can register their details at Agrarian Development Centres or through local agriculture officials.