More than Rs 289.5 billion had been spent last year to import agricultural products which could be cultivated in the country, the President's Office said.
“A huge amount of foreign exchange would not have to be spent if these products had been cultivated locally,” a statement released by the President’s Office read.
Sourcing Central Bank statistics, the statement noted that more than Rs 54 billion had been spent to import milk powder last year. Sugar too had been imported at a cost of Rs 40.3 billion.
Vegetables, fruits, and pulses had also been imported at costs amounting to billions last year.
The statement said encouraging local farmers could help establish food security in the country and assist in exporting Sri Lankan products to the global market.
Accordingly, the President's Office called on the relevant stakeholders to uplift local farmers as the 'Maha' Harvesting Season as begun.
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