A discussion between Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha and United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr. Marc-André Franche

A group of United Nations Resident Representatives (04) met with Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha at the Govijana Mandiraya. A special discussion was held there regarding lands.

The United Nations Resident Representatives expressed their appreciation regarding the ‘Himikama’ program being implemented by the current government concerning land matters.

The Minister clarified that the ‘Himikama’ program is being implemented while addressing the shortcomings that existed in the ‘Urumaya’ program. Under the Urumaya program, family consent was not sought and there was also the possibility of dividing the land. However, under the ‘Himikama’ program, family consent is sought and steps have been taken to provide lands while limiting the possibility of dividing the land, the Minister mentioned during the discussion.

The United Nations representatives pointed out that the Minister's cooperation is needed to launch the land-related project. Discussions were held regarding lands allocated for high-security zones in the North, and a date was also fixed from the Presidential Secretariat for a discussion with the Land Distribution Committee.