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

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we consider Hon. Rohana Bandara’s Motion important and we support it. Our farmers are a vital segment. In recent times farmers became destitute—some took their lives; their gold and tractors were pawned; initial joy at planting turned to despair at harvest when prices collapsed. We have not solved everything, but we have taken a structured approach.

¶ 02 This Yala season cultivated over 80,000 additional hectares compared to the previous Yala; for the current Maha, about 50,000 more hectares than last Maha. Fertilizer support per two hectares rose from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000. Previously, interseasonal crop farmers received no support; now they get Rs. 30,000 for two hectares. For export crops, free planting material and grant support (not loans) are being provided. We are rehabilitating irrigation and water systems to resolve water issues.

¶ 03 Our target is to exceed 7,000 kg/ha in paddy by 2028. We are introducing scientific methods to reduce fertilizer use and costs, minimize soil degradation, and improve yields. Soil testing has been accelerated; new high-yield varieties are being introduced. We must also fix the market—without that, gains won’t last. We are building value addition and agro-industry linkages; with entrepreneurship support, farmers’ incomes will rise. Farmers cannot labor indefinitely; insurance and pensions are thus essential.

¶ 04 We already operate post-damage insurance payouts continuously for six crops: paddy, maize, potato, big onion, soya, and chilli. The amounts are insufficient and must increase; we are considering this. We have also initiated insurance processes for banana, rubber, coconut, and are expanding to other crops and livestock. On farmer pensions: 178,753 currently receive pensions. Over 850,000 farmers contributed under the old scheme; we have introduced a new, more beneficial scheme, with over 13,000 enrollees this year. We must expand further.

¶ 05 On human–elephant conflict, ex-gratia for fatalities has been increased from Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 1,000,000. We propose establishing dedicated funds to sustain expanded benefits, including lifetime allowances for elderly farmers; we are working to implement this so they may find comfort and dignity. Thank you, Hon. Member, for the Motion.