Friends of Parakrama Samudra Movement Farmers ‘United Farmers’ Organization says that a massive struggle will be launched as soon as the travel restrictions and quarantine curfew are lifted against the government’s decision regarding the price of paddy and any decision taken by the government regarding the cultivation of paddy without consulting the farmers.
This was stated by the Farmers’ Organization at a media briefing held today (07). Mr. Sarath Jayasinghe also stated as follows.
“Today is an opportunity for the farming community not only in Polonnaruwa but in the entire country to be deeply concerned, shocked and stressed. I would like to tell you about the situation that has arisen for the farmer due to the government’s censorship measures. If we talk about the price of paddy, the price imposed by the government is not fair at all. It is by no means a fair price to the farmer.
A kilo of Nadu paddy costs Rs. 50, a kilo of Samba paddy costs Rs. 52 and Kiri Samba costs a little more. But the private sector offered a better price to the farmer. We lost that price due to this wrong action of the government. Now this government is also looking at the farmer. If the government does not take action to give a fair price for our paddy, we will fight against it in the coming days.
We take to the streets and protest. We spend around Rs. 61,000 per acre per acre. At present the farmer’s tractor is in the pawn shop. There is no way to sell paddy by mortgaging it. The farmer has sold only 3 to 4 percent of the paddy. The farmer has no way to repay the loan. All the decisions taken by this government after coming to power regarding farmers and farming are wrong. Farmers are in a state of shock. The organic fertilizer program is very inefficient.
Even with regard to the price of paddy, it is very unfair at this time. The price of paddy should be revised immediately. For that the door should be opened to the private sector. The government should take a decision regarding the price of paddy very soon. We would like to tell the government at this time that at least Rs. 65 should be given for a kilo of Nadu dry paddy. Price control for rice should be used appropriately. The looting of the farmer’s produce should be avoided. Otherwise we will not get justice. The farmer is indebted to the country at this time. Went to farm. The gap between our income and expenses is very wide. We have to cover this cost with the income we get from farming. The government needs to make a national plan for the price of rice. Think from the farmers’ side and give the farmer a fair price. ”
The President of the organization Arthur Tennakoon said.
“We first protested against the organic fertilizer production project. This is because our farmers cannot find adequate raw materials. It has now become something that is made with a little bit of money. The government provides 12500 rupees. The farmer does not make fertilizer with that money. The farmer cannot find enough raw material to make fertilizer. About 165,000 acres in Polonnaruwa are cultivated for the Mas season. How to make the required fertilizer. What is the amount of organic manure required per acre? This organic fertilizer program comes without any calculation or research. Therefore, this is a crime. Stop this crime immediately and give the farmer the fertilizer he needs. ”
Isha Mudiyanse Polonnaruwa