The Department of Agriculture has requested farmers to be aware of diseases that are currently spreading around paddy cultivations and to use suitable pesticides.
The Department said the diseases can be controlled by using MOP.
The Ministry of Agriculture said four diseases have been identified that are spreading in rice cultivations including yellow spot disease, insect and roundworm infestations.
Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera speaking at a media briefing today (12) said officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture were directed to control the diseases at the earliest.
The Minister added that all plans are in place to ensure a successful harvest this season.
He noted that during a discussion held with agricultural experts, it was revealed that farmers not using MOP in paddy cultivation this year caused the diseases while also noting that as the price of MOP is relatively higher farmers faced difficulties in purchasing stocks.
The Director General of Agriculture meanwhile requested farmers to refrain from using insecticides advised by various individuals in order to control the disease, and urged all farmers to monitor fields and report in the event of the diseases being found.
