The Hon. Namal Karunaratne

¶ 01 Yes, we should move to cultivation planning based on domestic demand, required land, fertilizer, water, etc. We are implementing methods to obtain higher yields from smaller land areas, lowering per-unit costs. Then, to address market issues arising from higher output, we need to move to value addition and agro-processing. We have planned a coordinated programme with the Ministries of Agriculture, Trade, Finance, Science and Technology, and Industries, and scheduled joint discussions to proceed.

¶ 02 Finally, we will intervene to increase production, reduce farmer costs, enable value addition and preservation, develop by-products, strengthen the economy, provide consumers quality goods at lower prices, ensure fair prices to farmers, and satisfy all parties—farmers, consumers, and intermediaries. We have already commenced this process.