On time Rains brightens outlook for re-consolidation of paddy cultivation

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
With the South-west monsoons arriving on time with bouts of heavy rains already lashing many part of the island, Agriculture Director
General Dr W
M
Wijayasiri Weerakoon yesterday said they are looking at a rapid re-consolidation of paddy cultivation and other main crops
The production of rice, onions and other crops slumped by half due to variable monsoons, the lack of rains and drought over the past couple
of years.The Agriculture Department is set to achieve a sharp increase, particularly in the category of rice production, in the upcoming
seasons, said Weerakoon
&The department is all keyed up to achieve an increase in the output of vegetables and fruits as well,& he said
&We will introduce crop rotation strategies to help the farmers whose cultivations were hit by the drought
The strategies are centered on maximising crop yields and farmer profits,& he said.