The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I reply on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

¶ 02 (a) (i) Yes. A loan scheme named “Sarusara” is in operation. (ii) Objectives: - To meet the working capital needs of micro and small-scale farmers for short-term crop cultivation, chena/home-garden cultivation, and warehouse receipt financing. - To promote financial inclusion among the farming community. - To promote/develop the domestic household agriculture sector. - To improve income-generating activities and living standards of micro and small-scale farmers and their families. - To reduce regional disparities and rural poverty. (iii) During 2010–2024, loans have been granted to 1,216,587 farmers. (iv) Criteria include: - The borrower must be a farmer. - To qualify: a. The borrower should possess land with legal title or on tax title; or b. Use State land under a valid permit; or c. Hold lawful authority from a landowner to cultivate for a specified period if not owning land. - The borrower must not be a loan defaulter at any financial institution. - For borrowers aged 65 or above, a family member (spouse, daughter, son, or a close relative aged over 18 and under 60) must be registered as a co-borrower. - Under the Warehouse Receipt component, farmers who deposit produce in Government warehouses in Anuradhapura, Medirigiriya, Monaragala, Mannar and Kilinochchi can obtain loans. (v) The scheme provides affordable working capital for raw materials and inputs, including: - Fertilizer subsidies; - Quality seed at affordable prices; - Guaranteed prices for harvests to secure farmer incomes; - Crop insurance to minimize risk; - Provision of irrigation water services and other supportive public services.

¶ 03 (b) Does not arise.