Crop damage report handed over to Agri-Minister

The Agrarian and Agricultural Insurance Board has handed over the report on crop damage reported in Sri Lanka during January to September 12,2023 to the Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera.

According to the report 65,871.32 acres of paddy and other crops have been damaged due to drought, heavy rains and army warm damage affecting 67,122 farmers.

The highest amount of crop damage is reported from Kurunegala district. 26,813.67 acres have been damaged and the number of farmers is 32,245.

In the second place, the highest amount of crop damage is reported from Udawalawa zone. There are 14,810.13 acres of crop damage reported and the number of affected farmers is 11,651.

Hambantota district is reporting the third highest crop damage. Accordingly, 5235 acres of crops have been damaged and the number of farmers is 4339.

Matale, Puttalam, Polonnaruwa and Monaragala too reported high amounts of crop damage and affected over 5800 farmers.

The Minister of Agriculture Mr.Mahinda Amaraweera said that the report will be submitted to the Cabinet as soon as the Agriculture and Agrarian Insurance Board gives the final crop damage assessment report.

He also submitted the Cabinet Paper to the Cabinet Office to inform the Cabinet that compensation should be paid for crop damage, and it is scheduled to be discussed in an upcoming Cabinet meeting.