The Hon. Namal Karunaratne — Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock

¶ 01 I cited 2.11% as last season’s PMB intake as a share of total production; it is not a cap. Now, we will purchase as much as farmers deliver; if funds fall short, we will release more. There is no quantitative ceiling.

¶ 02 On fertilizer support: when we assumed office, fertilizer assistance for paddy was Rs. 30,000 for two hectares; we raised it to Rs. 50,000. For intercropping on paddy lands, which previously received nothing, we now provide Rs. 30,000 per two hectares. We aim to pay before cultivation; the first tranche was paid, the second was delayed due to staff shortages—about 4,000 Agricultural Research and Production Assistants short—exacerbated by the “8960” cyclone. We are addressing these gaps.

¶ 03 On compensation: previously, compensation covered only six crops—chilli, soya, big onion, potato, red onion, and paddy. We expanded it to include cucumber, ridge gourd, pumpkin, cabbage, banana, pineapple, maize, carrot, and leeks. Paddy compensation per acre rose from Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 60,000. Vegetable farmers earlier received nothing; now they receive Rs. 80,000 per affected acre. For livestock deaths: Rs. 200,000 per cow, Rs. 20,000 per pig or goat, Rs. 500 per chicken. If any eligible farmer has not received compensation, inform us; funds have been allocated and will be disbursed.