COLOMBO (News 1st); 96% of the data released by the Agrarian Services Department on the distribution of chemical fertilizer in the past, is inaccurate, revealed the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute. Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Amaraweera has noted that 04 separate mafias are in operation in the country’s agriculture sector. He had requested the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute to advise the government on mechanisms that can be adopted to avert the difficulties faced by the people and the farmers due to these mafias that are in operation. A statement from the Ministry of Agriculture quoting Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage noted that the report compiled by the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya on the use of fertilizer in Nuwara Eliya is yet to be made available. During a visit to the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, the Minister has raised questions as to why a survey had not been carried out with respect to manufacturing seeds in Sri Lanka, as a means to cut down costs of importing seeds to the country.

Source: The Nation September 13, 2021 12:56 UTC