Sri lanka : Ditwah forces importation of some rice varieties?
Sri Lanka’s agriculture minister said Cyclone Ditwah damage may require limited rice imports for certain varieties, though no immediate shortage is expected. He expressed confidence farmers have adequate seed paddy and are resuming cultivation, adding the country could still achieve rice self-sufficiency despite the disaster.
Colombo, Dec. 15 (Daily Mirror) – The devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah may force the Government to import some varieties of rice, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation K. D. Lal Kantha hinted over the weekend.
Speaking during a programme held to mark the re-cultivation of paddy after the recent disaster in Sooriyagaskanda, the Minister said some varieties of rice of the cultivation fluctuates. “We are able to assure that there will be no shortage of rice in the near future but we will have to import some varieties if the need arises,” he said.
The Minister who was optimistic said it may be possible to make Sri Lanka self sufficient in rice despite the disaster.
“We are confident that farmers have bounced back after the disaster and are keen to start their cultivation. We ask them whether they have sufficient seed paddy and they have informed us that it is sufficient. Therefore, we are confident that they will be back in action once again,” he added.
To Read more about Rice News continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : Daily Mirror Online
