In a heartwarming initiative, Qatar Charity Institution has extended a helping hand to Sri Lankan farmers, breathing new life into the agricultural landscape of three key districts. This remarkable endeavor focuses on aiding 3000 farmers who cultivate various crops, excluding paddy, by providing them with much-needed fertilizer support.
Under this program, each farmer will receive a generous grant of Rs. 20,000 worth of fertilizer during the Maha season, ensuring their continued success in the field. A high-profile discussion took place recently under the guidance of Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera, Honorable Minister of Agriculture, to deliberate on the implementation of this noble endeavor. Mr. Tharick Mansoor, Project Manager of Qatar Charity, and Mr. Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, were also present at the meeting, marking a significant step towards supporting the farmers who have not been adequately assisted in the past.
While paddy farmers have enjoyed various financial and material concessions over the years, the same level of support was long overdue for farmers involved in cultivating vegetables and other crops. This inspiring collaboration with Qatar Charity Institution aims to bridge that gap, enabling 3000 farmers from Kurunegala, Monaragala, and Matale districts, who own less than one hectare of land, to access the resources they need to thrive. Qatar Charity Institution has taken a deliberate approach to select low-income farmers for this noble cause, ensuring that those who need it most benefit from the support.
The Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera, lauded this effort, recognizing its significance in providing relief to vegetable farmers, including those cultivating maize and chilies. He pointed out that while the government had historically granted considerable concessions to paddy farmers, it was high time to recognize and support the other essential crops. The Minister emphasized how the support for rice production had been instrumental in reducing the cost of rice from Rs. 280 to Rs. 130, debunking the notion of an impending price hike.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the current challenges faced by vegetable farmers due to drought and unpredictable weather patterns. With the looming possibility of a severe vegetable shortage and subsequent price hikes, he expressed his heartfelt appreciation for Qatar Charity Institution’s intervention, offering much-needed relief to the beleaguered farmers. This endeavor stands as a testament to international generosity and solidarity, illuminating a brighter future for Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.
