Sri Lanka Aims to Modernize Agriculture Industry with Third Season, Technology and Export Promotion

Sri Lanka is making significant strides in modernizing its agriculture industry, as evidenced by recent developments and initiatives announced by government officials.

According to Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, the government has already discussed plans to reduce the price of herbicides by 10% in the future and is exploring the possibility of introducing a third season for cultivation in addition to the current Yala and Maha seasons. This third season has already been successfully implemented in the Hambantota district, where farmers are growing alternative crops to paddy. The government is encouraging farmers from other districts to participate as well.

To further modernize the industry, the government is looking to incorporate modern technology into agriculture. The goal is to transition crops that traditionally required 2.5 acres to grow to a more modern, efficient system that can be achieved in just half an acre of land.

In terms of exports, the government has successfully promoted the cultivation of sour bananas and is currently exporting one container every Saturday. The aim is to increase this export volume to two containers by next month.

All of these efforts have been made possible thanks to a 56,000 million rupee allocation from the President towards the development of the agriculture industry. The government is committed to establishing agriculture as a major economic foundation for the country.

The recent developments were discussed at an event attended by officials including the Chancellor of the Rajarata University, Ruwanweli Chaityaramadhipathi Venerable Ethalavetunu Weve Gnanathilaka Thera, Chief incumbent of the Lankarama Viharaya Venerable Ralapanawe Dhammajothi, Minister of Ports and Shipping Nimal Siripala de Silva, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe, Member of Parliament SM Chandrasena, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayake, Governor of North Central Province Mahipala Herath, and other officials.