August 25, Colombo (LNW): The Government has earmarked Rs.3 billion for emergency compensation to farmers whose crops have been affected by the prolonged dry spell gripping several parts of Sri Lanka.
The weather conditions, which authorities have linked to the ongoing El Niño pattern, have caused considerable losses to agricultural land in Monaragala, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, Anuradhapura and Ampara. Paddy, maize and several other crops have been affected as water availability has come under increasing pressure.
Preliminary figures indicate that nearly 8,000 acres of farmland cultivated by about 7,000 farmers have already suffered damage in the affected districts.
Paddy cultivation accounts for a substantial share of the reported losses. Anuradhapura has recorded damage across around 1,923 acres, followed by Monaragala with 1,401 acres, Polonnaruwa with 1,259 acres, Ampara with 1,055 acres and Hambantota with 783 acres.
Agriculture authorities have been instructed to accelerate the assessment of damaged fields so that financial assistance can reach farmers as quickly as possible. Teams from the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, together with Agriculture Research and Production Assistants attached to the Department of Agrarian Development, are carrying out inspections on the ground.
The relief scheme will provide compensation of Rs.100,000 per hectare for losses involving six crops — paddy, maize, big onion, potato, soybean and chilli. Individual farmers will be eligible for compensation covering a maximum of five acres.
Officials are also urging farmers who have yet to report losses to do so without delay. Details can be entered in the crop damage registers available at Agrarian Development Centres or submitted directly to the relevant Agriculture Research and Production Assistant or field officer.
The Government says the accelerated assessment process is intended to ensure that genuine losses are documented promptly and that affected farming communities receive support before the financial impact of the failed or damaged harvests becomes more severe.
Farmers seeking clarification or additional information can contact the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board through the 1918 short code.