The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, today’s debate on the Ministry of Agriculture and Enterprise Development is of paramount importance. The President, Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is the son of a farmer. Likewise, Mahatma Gandhi was the son of a farmer; the Hon. Deputy Minister is a farmer; I too am a farmer. So we understand farmers’ problems. Many governments have fallen for not resolving farmers’ issues.

¶ 02 In particular, the farmers’ dissatisfaction in 1972 led to the fall of Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s government. In 2019, Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s decision contrary to farmers’ wishes caused his downfall. In 2002, Ranil Wickremesinghe lost power in a context tied to fertilizer price issues. Such a situation must not come to the Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake and this Government. You must create a situation where agriculture is improved and farmers benefit. We expect you will do so.

¶ 03 Today Sri Lanka has about 2,065,000 farmers; in our district alone, 85,000 farmers. The government must take necessary measures to resolve their issues.

¶ 04 When we say “farmers” in Sri Lanka, attention is mainly on paddy farmers. But sugarcane, maize, tuber, vegetable, and onion farmers are not counted or compensated. When disasters occur, compensation is given to paddy farmers, but not to these other categories. Over the past two days, severe floods caused farmers in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla to lose all their produce. There is no government compensation scheme or insurance for them. This morning, when we spoke to the Hon. President, he said compensation will be provided to paddy farmers. I asked what will be given to vegetable farmers. He said, “We will look into it.” They should not be neglected. They live here, vote here, and send representatives here. You must state what decision will be taken for them. Giving compensation to only some farmers and not others is unacceptable.

¶ 05 In Nuwara Eliya, farmers cannot set prices for their produce; traders do. The producer should be able to set the price for his product, but farmers lack that power; a small group decides. We have frequently appealed to change this, but no action so far.

¶ 06 Due to the floods, places like Nuwara Eliya, Kandapola, Highforest, Talawakele, and Badulla have suffered severe agricultural damage. It will take time to restore. Therefore, at least provide seed potatoes for the next season at subsidized rates, and ensure fertilizer availability. There is no fertilizer subsidy there. Producing one kilo of potatoes costs around Rs. 200; half of that is for seed potatoes. Reduce the seed potato price.

¶ 07 Nuwara Eliya is one of the districts that produces the most milk. National milk production is about 35 percent of demand, and Nuwara Eliya contributes about 17 percent of national output. If the country produces 35 million liters a month, Nuwara Eliya produces about 5.5 million liters. Most dairy farmers are in Maskeliya, Bogawantalawa, and Hatton; about 9,000 people benefit. But they face many issues. There are only about four veterinary doctors for the district hospitals. Increase veterinarians in places like Bogawantalawa and Maskeliya to improve milk production. There are about 14,000 milch cows; 20,000 farmers produce up to eggs as well. Provide facilities to increase their production.

¶ 08 Veterinary doctors must travel long distances and lack adequate vehicles. The vehicles are 10-20 years old. The government plans to provide 1,700 cabs; after giving necessary vehicles to Health, also equip the Department of Animal Production and Health to improve operations.

¶ 09 Hon. Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Member, you have two more minutes.

¶ 10 Veterinarians in Nuwara Eliya are not given additional allowances for working in hardship areas. Increase their allowances.

¶ 11 Today, due to heavy rains in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla, many places are damaged, and about 33 deaths have been reported so far. Badulla is heavily affected. In Kadugannawa area too there is damage. Hon. Minister, in your Nuwara Eliya—Hanguranketha, Walapane area—specifically at Munwatta, six people died due to a landslide. Assistance should reach everyone without discrimination.

¶ 12 Compensation for estate housing damage is very low because estate residents have no house ownership. If others get Rs. 2,500,000 compensation, estate workers get only Rs. 100,000. Compensation must be given equally. Your policy is “Everyone equal.” All benefits must reach estate workers equally. They are citizens with voting rights and full rights. If you accept that, create avenues so they also receive these benefits. I conclude. Thank you.