Plan to sell water to farmers for cultivations, a canard – Minister

Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said there is no plan to sell water to farmers for cultivation purposes and that a certain political group is spreading this to society to gain political advantage.

He said that tests are being carried out on the possibility of engaging in cultivation using a lesser quantity of water and it is a compulsory requirement that water is used economically for cultivation purposes.

The Minister made these comments at a media briefing in Kandy. Minister Amaraweera emphasized the fact that reports have been received that during the upcoming Yala Season farmers will have to face a far more severe drought than the last time and instructions have been given to them to begin cultivation during this rainy season.

He said further that by commencing cultivation during the proper specified time, it is important to save a certain quantity of water for the Yala Season.

He condemned baseless allegations of some groups for political gain, spreading a rumour that the government is preparing to charge money for the water provided to the farmers by misinterpreting the programme to raise awareness among farmers regarding using water sparingly and carrying out cultivation activities with a lesser amount of water.

The post Plan to sell water to farmers for cultivations, a canard – Minister appeared first on DailyNews.