A meeting between the Indian High Commissioner and the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation

A meeting between the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha and the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, K.D. Lalkantha was held at the Ministry of Agriculture.

A group of officials representing the Indian High Commission and a group of officials including the Secretary to the Ministry, Mr. D.P. Wickramasinghe also participated in this event.

This discussion was held to take forward the discussions related to the agriculture and livestock sector, which were made during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's visit to India, at the ministerial level.

The High Commissioner was warmly welcomed to the Ministry and the Minister extended his personal gratitude to India as the first country to engage diplomatically in support of the formation of this government.

The Minister also stated that, while the country previously had the capability to produce the necessary food for domestic consumption, at present, a significant portion of food items has to be imported from foreign countries. This is due to the open economic policy implemented in our country after 1977. Additionally, he noted that the three decade long war in the country contributed to this issue, as agricultural lands in the Northern and Eastern regions remained unused for farming. The Minister stated that, even today, small, medium and large-scale irrigation systems in the Northern and Eastern regions have been completely destroyed and as a result, a significant quantity of locally grown food items such as Jaffna chilies, Jaffna drumsticks, potatoes and onions are no longer available in the domestic market unlike in the past. He emphasized that the new government is focusing on revitalizing this lost agricultural sector to benefit the local economy.

Even today, a significant portion of essential food items is imported from India and gratitude was expressed for India's role in ensuring the supply of essential food whenever necessary. In addition to essential food, a large quantity of medicines, Ayurvedic products and other goods required for the local market are also imported from India.

The Minister further stated that the cost of agricultural production in Sri Lanka is significantly high compared to India. He emphasized the need for India's support in minimizing these costs and utilizing new technology to enhance local agriculture. Additionally, he noted that approximately 15% of the yield is lost due to damage caused by wild animals and highlighted the necessity of technical and advisory support for management of wild animals. Attention was also given to obtaining the necessary support to maintain interpersonal relationships with experienced Indian agricultural officials and local agricultural sector officials. Furthermore, discussions continued on acquiring new technology and advisory services required for the development of the local livestock sector.

In response, the High Commissioner stated that India is ready to help Sri Lanka at any time and that it is not for India's personal goals but rather for regional cooperation and the need to move forward as a region.

The High Commissioner also stated that, in response to the Minister's request, India is discussing to provide newly discovered dairy cattle, which are considered a special need for the development of the local livestock sector, to Sri Lanka. He mentioned that these animals have currently been provided only to a few countries that work closely with India.

The High Commissioner also stated that India primarily focused on soil testing and the use of fertilizers and chemicals for the development of agriculture. By promoting this practice among farmers, it was possible to significantly increase crop yield while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. He further mentioned that India was able to enhance the relationship between farmers and the government through digitalization, which allowed for better management of all agricultural activities, including chemical fertilizer subsidies.

The High Commissioner stated that India was able to eradicate hunger today because agriculture had been digitalized using this new technology. It was also discussed that methods such as cooperatives could help Indian farmers target new markets.

The High Commissioner once again invited the Minister to visit India for a study on agriculture and livestock sectors. He reiterated that all these efforts are being made by the Indian people for the benefit of the Sri Lankan people, with no expectation of any personal gain in return.

In response to the High Commissioner's request, the Minister expressed his willingness to travel to India for his first official visit. He also extended his gratitude to the High Commissioner for his presence and willingness to help Sri Lanka without any expectations in return.