The government says the decision to ban the import of 16 types of grain including paddy was reached in order to increase the demand for local seeds.
Speaking in Parliament today, State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa said a special programme has been launched to reward farmers who manufacture seeds required for cultivation.
State Minister Rajapaksa said the process of manufacturing potato seeds locally commenced across five farms operated by the Department of Agriculture last year.
He said the price of imported seeds are more expensive than those locally produced adding the government is maintaining pricing levels in order to increase the demand for locally produced seeds.
The State Minister said the quality of seeds manufactured by farmers for their cultivation purposes will be evaluated free of charge while also providing financial assistance to maintain the process.
