July 19, Colombo (LNW): During the rainy season, approximately 4,000 hectares of paddy fields around the Nilwala River are consistently flooded and damaged due to the salinity barrier installed in the river. This barrier, while preventing seawater from contaminating the Nilwala River, has inadvertently caused significant flooding, adversely affecting local agriculture.
Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industry Mahinda Amaraweera has directed the Department of Agricultural Development to prioritize this issue, following numerous complaints from farmers about crop losses due to flooding. Over the years, flooding in the Matara district has led to substantial crop damage, prompting the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board to compensate affected farmers.
The Minister emphasized that the salinity barrier is crucial for preventing seawater intrusion, which would otherwise compromise the district’s drinking water supply. However, this barrier has led to the flooding of paddy fields, necessitating a review of the suitability of paddy cultivation in these areas.
On Wednesday (17), a discussion was held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries with Minister Amaraweera and Agrarian Development Department officials to address this issue. A committee has been appointed, per a Cabinet decision, to explore compensation options for the affected farmers and the potential transfer of the paddy lands to the government. However, no final decision has been made yet.
The Agrarian Development Department has recommended against expanding paddy cultivation in these flood-prone areas due to the likelihood of heavy rains in upcoming cropping seasons. Instead, a program will be developed to encourage farmers to grow alternative crops, providing necessary financial and technical support.
Agrarian Development Commissioner General A.M.H.L. Abeyratne and other officials participated in the discussion, reinforcing the commitment to finding a sustainable solution for the affected farmers and ensuring agricultural viability in the region.
