Farmers receive irrigation kits for dry weather
THE annual dry season in the Western Division will not be an issue for a group of farmers who have been gifted with irrigation kits to help them deal with the dry spell over the region.
While handing over the 13 irrigation kits to the farmers, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Dr Mahendra Reddy said these resources would enable the farmers to increase their annual production yields.
“These are our model non-sugar commercial farmers and we are very proud that without us investing in their farms they have been able to succeed and grow their farms,” he said.
“This is the reason they have been selected to receive these irrigation kits so that we further enhance their and leverage their agricultural entrepreneurship.
“We know that the Western Division is drier than other regions and for farmers to do year round production you need to ensure that you have some sort of irrigation facility.”
He said agriculture should be treated as an important source of income for many.
“You have to treat agriculture with the same level of importance as any other business because if you do so then you will see that this particular activity will give you much better and secured livelihood.”
He said more farmers were expected to receive the kits later this year.
“In this financial year we have about 150 commercial farmers that will be receiving their own irrigation kits and they are among our best producers in the country.
“They are full-time agriculture commercial farmers that are continuing to maintain this very important sector.
“There are other various programs that we have advertised and which we are now processing and we will soon be providing this support to our local farmers over the next two to three months.”