Agriculture Ministry to pay compensation for damaged crops

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Agriculture said it reached a decision to provide compensation to farmers whose crops were damaged due to the dry weather conditions.

Agriculture Secretary Gunadasa Samarasinghe said compensation will be provided from Rs.40,000 per acre.

He added that the relevant estimates are being obtained at present.

Samarasinghe said preparations are in place to pay insurance for six types of crops including paddy, maize, potatoes, big onions and soybeans.

The Agriculture Secretary said those whose crops were destroyed can apply for the insurance.