President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa emphasizes that doing the right thing is a big challenge and that the desired goals can be achieved by moving forward together.
The President made this statement at a discussion held with Agrarian Service officers via video technology this afternoon (21).
The President pointed out that the desired objectives could be achieved by resolving the difficulties faced by the farmers and it is very important to go to the farmers and explain the facts.
The main objective of the government is to provide more income to the farmers while protecting the environment and public health. The goal of green agriculture will not just benefit for one season or two but for many generations, the President said.
The President pointed out that it is the responsibility of the officials to identify the major problems faced by the farmers and to make the government aware of them.
The President also told officials that he would never ask anyone to do anything wrong.
Due to the introduction of green agriculture, it is not possible to allow a reduction in the area under cultivation. The President also said that it is the responsibility of all for the benefit of the country to encourage farmers to move forward with the use of organic fertilizer.
The government has taken steps to import liquid nitrogen with nitrogen nutrients to give the world’s most recognized eco-friendly fertilizer to farmers. Produced using nanotechnology, the nitrogen compounds in these liquid fertilizers are directly absorbed by the plant leaves. The President stated that the government will provide liquid nitrogen to all farmers in the future.
Agrarian service officials said there was an unfounded fear among farmers about the lack of yields and that the fears and setbacks among farmers could be alleviated by timely handing over of fertilizers and proper awareness. Therefore, they requested the President to expand those facilities.
The government is now releasing incentives and basic payments to farmers. Plans are afoot to procure the raw material for organic fertilizer production in the coming seasons, officials said.
Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera, Chief Adviser to the President Lalith Weeratunga and senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, District Assistant and Deputy Agrarian Services Commissioners representing 08 districts and Divisional Agrarian Services Officers were present in the meeting.