Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha participates on the final day of the 'Vidu Nenen Saru Kethak' paddy field day held at the Rice Research and Development Institute, Bathalagoda.

In line with the national program “Eka Mitata – Govi Bimata” of the Ministry of Agriculture, the 'Paddy Field Day' was held at the Bathalagoda Rice Research and Development Institute premises with the aim of increasing yields per unit area of paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka and educating farmers about the use of new technological equipment for paddy cultivation.

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha participated on the morning of 18.08.2025, which was the final day of this event.

The main objective of the 'Vidu Nenen Saru Kethak' field day is to present to the farming community the rice varieties produced by the Bathalagoda Rice Research and Development Institute, which is the home of paddy cultivation, and the new cultivation technologies that have been developed.

One can observe the evolution of paddy varieties, the process of developing new paddy varieties, research demonstrations on selecting varieties that can withstand adverse environmental conditions (floods, salinity, iron toxicity, high temperature) from currently recommended paddy varieties, and demonstrations of new methods to accelerate the paddy surplus process.

In the Grain Quality Division, one can observe the characteristics of various paddy varieties (traditional and improved), rice-based value-added food products (biscuits, yogurt, cake varieties, porridge, hoppers and pittu) and tasting opportunities, as well as a study on the antioxidant properties and glycemic index of rice varieties. Knowledge can be gained about good practices that should be followed to obtain higher yield, and the use of correct technologies at various stages from land preparation to harvesting.

New studies on matters such as identifying paddy varieties that can withstand various stresses that will challenge paddy cultivation in the future in the face of climate change, and minimizing crop losses through new technological practices, can be studied during this field day.

Similarly, in the Soil Science Division, further information can be obtained on studies of the efficiency of new fertilizer types for integrated soil nutrient management, enhancing fertilizer efficiency using leaf color charts and soil nutrient test kits, and studies on the response of different paddy varieties to organic fertilizers.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister expressed these views.

“If we are to establish food security in the country, crops must be properly fed at the right time. To complete human food security, plant food security must be protected. Crop food security must be established. To ensure the country's food security, crops must be properly provided with the necessary nutrition."

Officials including Director General of the Department of Agriculture Mr. Tushara Wickramarachchi, Professor Buddhi Marambe of the University of Peradeniya, and Director of the Bathalagoda Rice Research and Development Institute Dr. Lakmini Priyanthi participated on this occasion.