August 27, Colombo (LNW): The Government has earmarked Rs. 3 billion to support farmers whose crops have been damaged by the prolonged dry spell linked to the El Niño weather pattern.
The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board said significant crop losses have been reported in several farming districts, with Monaragala, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, Anuradhapura and Ampara among the areas affected by the lack of rainfall.
Preliminary assessments indicate that about 8,000 acres of cultivated land have suffered damage, affecting approximately 7,000 farmers. The losses are expected to place additional pressure on farming households already facing rising production costs and uncertain weather conditions.
Under the relief programme, eligible farmers cultivating paddy, maize, big onions, potatoes, soybeans and chillies will receive compensation calculated at Rs. 100,000 per hectare of affected land.
However, the payment will be capped at five acres for each farmer, meaning those cultivating larger holdings will not receive compensation beyond that limit.
Officials said the financial assistance is intended to provide immediate relief to farmers facing losses as a result of adverse weather and help them prepare for the next cultivation cycle.
The move comes as erratic rainfall and extended dry periods continue to pose challenges for Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, raising concerns over farm incomes as well as the availability and prices of key food crops.
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