RS.430 Mn has been allocated to re-cultivate 12,500 acres of fallow paddy lands in the upcoming Maha season.

At present, 47,000 acres of fallow paddy fields in our country, which can be re-cultivated, have not been cultivated for nearly five years.

Another 50,000 acres have become fallow fields but cannot be used for replanting.

The Ministry of Agriculture has initiated a programme to re-cultivate fallow paddy lands in our country. The Department of Agrarian Development on the instructions of the Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera has allocated Rs.430 million for the year 2023 to replant fallow paddy fields around the country.

The Department of Agrarian Development has planned to replant 12,500 acres of fallow fields during the 2023 Maha season with the use of these funds.

The Minister Amaraweera states that the goal is to replant all 47,000 acres which have become fallow fields, using government funds in every year.

Most of the fallow paddy fields that can be cultivated but left uncultivated are found in the Western Province.

The Department of Agrarian Development provides the necessary technology, financial allocations, seeds and other inputs for cultivation free of charge to the unemployed youth to cultivate the fallow fields.

The Minister has also advised the Department of Agrarian Development to utilize the Rs.430 million allocated for the renovation of dilapidated canals in those paddy fields, preparation of embankments and the removal of weeds.