Food crisis in October?

Prof. Buddhi Marambe says by October the country will be unable to produce stocks of food sufficient for monthly consumption.

Speaking at a media briefing, Prof. of Agriculture Buddhi Marambe said half of the Yala season has passed although authorities have failed to provide farmers with the required agricultural support.

He said authorities have been unable to provide resources to farmers at affordable rates, adding the situation has worsened since the Maha season.

The Prof. predicted that the yield of paddy will drop by over 50% this season.

He warned that a stringent scientific analysis had proven that by October the country will not be able to provide adequate food stocks.

Commenting on measures taken to control the situation, Prof. Marambe said steps should be taken to assure a successful harvest during the Maha season.

He said the seed paddy required for next Maha season must be collected adding 800,000 hectares of land should be cultivated.

Prof. Marambe said 80,000MT of seed paddy is required to cultivate farm lands.