Maha season paddy cultivation to start around October 15

All departments in the agriculture sector yesterday (29) decided that farmers in all areas should be encouraged to start paddy cultivation for the Maha season on or around October 15.

The 2023/24 Maha season and the 2024 Yala season are likely to be two crucial cropping seasons. This is because, due to the ongoing El Nino process, there may be heavy rainfall in the months of October and November this Maha season, while the next Yala season may be dry once again, both here as well as overseas.

Therefore, it was emphasised that a work order for proper rainwater management, sans wastage, should be implemented with the contribution of all agricultural sectors.

A discussion chaired by Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera was held yesterday (29) at the Hector Kobbackaduwa Agricultural Training and Research Institute, with the participation of the Agriculture Ministry, Agriculture, Meteorological, Mahaweli, Irrigation and other departments as well as university professors, provincial agriculture directors and farmer representatives to plan this Maha and Yala season’s cultivation activities.

Due to the dry weather conditions during this year’s Yala season, the damage to many other crops has affected the production of national food crops. Further, the farmers had not been informed by any sector, that El Nino may affect them to such an extent, and that they will have to face such a drought. All departments agreed that the Meteorology Department should be held responsible for not warning the farmers, and that it is important to prevent such deficiencies in the future.

Minister Amaraweera stressed that, for the first time, all sectors should jointly contribute to planning a crop season.

The minister also said that, if this kind of operation was followed in this Yala season, there would not be a water shortage, with the water in the reservoirs managed until all the crops were harvested. The minister added this cooperation should be continued to ensure the upcoming season is a success.

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