Speaking at the Cabinet decisions briefing held today (01), the Minister said the government has allocated Rs. 3 billion as an initial provision to compensate farmers affected by the crop damage under an urgent relief programme.
Accordingly, compensation will be provided for damage to paddy, maize, big onions, potatoes, soybeans and chilli crops.
Farmers will be eligible to receive compensation of Rs. 100,000 per hectare, subject to a maximum of five acres per farmer, the Minister said.
According to the latest assessment, Anuradhapura District has recorded the highest extent of crop damage, with 1,923 acres affected. Monaragala has reported 1,421 acres, Polonnaruwa 1,259 acres, Ampara 1,055 acres and Hambantota 783 acres.
The Minister said nearly 7,000 farmers have been affected, with the total damaged cultivated area estimated at close to 8,000 acres.
Farmers whose crops have been damaged can report the losses to an Agricultural Research and Production Assistant at their nearest Agrarian Service Centre, or to Development or Field Officers of the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, he added.
