Irrigation Dept and Mahaweli Authority agrees to issue water for paddy cultivation

The Department of Agriculture said that the Irrigation Department and Mahaweli Authority have agreed to supply water for paddy cultivation for this year’s Yala Season in few weeks.

The Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Ms Malathi Parasuraman said that the discussions were held between, Department of Agriculture, Mahaweli Authority and irrigation Department to decide using the provision of water for the upcoming Yala Season.

She added that there is enough water for cultivation as both minor and major irrigation tanks as well as reservoirs under the Mahaweli authority has ample water due to recent rains.   

Ms Parauraman said therefore the Mahaweli Authority have agreed to provide water for cultivation.

Meanwhile the Minister of agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera had advised Department of Agriculture to encourage farmers to grow additional crops during the Yala season.

The Farmers complained that lack of national plan on regulation of crop cultivation had led towards unplanned cultivation of vegetables in different areas.