• Crops to be compensated not limited to paddy/maize/potato/big onion/chillie/soya bean, further non-monetary reliefs/support to be provided to paddy farmers 
• Dep. Agri. Min. says if prompt measures not taken, SL could face food shortage
• To implement action plan and commence data gathering/assessments once waters recede   

The Agriculture Ministry will compensate all cultivators affected by the severe weather conditions and flooding that battered the country, the Deputy Agriculture and Livestock Minister Namal Karunarathne said.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Karunarathne yesterday (01) explained that under normal circumstances, regulations allowed compensation for only six types of crops: paddy, maize, potato, big onion, chillie, and soya bean. However, he noted that farming communities across the island had been severely affected by the cyclone and floods. “If measures are not taken promptly, the country could face a food shortage. Therefore, all cultivations will be compensated and supported”.

Responding to questions, he observed that it was too early to begin data gathering and assessments, as such work could only commence once water levels recede. However, the Ministry already has an action plan that will be implemented.

As this is the early Maha cultivation season and cultivations are still ongoing, the Government will take steps to compensate paddy farmers. At present, only about 500,000 hectares (ha) have been cultivated, although the normal capacity for paddy cultivation is 800,000 ha. The Government will provide compensation and further relief to paddy cultivators to encourage them to re-cultivate the destroyed crops, he added.