Former Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture KB Gunaratne says farmers must begin harvesting for the Yala season, within this week.
Speaking to media in Kandy Gunaratne said a serious food shortage will arise in the country if farmers do not begin activities for the new season.
He predicted that the situation in Sri Lanka will worsen by December if harvests reduce, since the probability of importing essential crops from other countries is also low.
Gunaratne pointed out that a global food shortage will cause the price of fertiliser and LP gas to increase.
He expressed that the government will supply the required fertiliser, and therefore requested the farmers must begin harvesting for the Yala season.
He also noted that 65,000 metric tons of fertiliser supplied by India will be distributed among the farming community.
KB Gunaratne added, farmers have discontinued the profession despite having water and seeds for harvesting, as the supply of adequate pesticides and fertiliser is volatile.
He explained that farmers are mentally affected due to this uncertainty.
