COLOMBO (NewsRadio); The Ministry of Agriculture says local companies have agreed to reduce the prices of pesticides and weedicides by 20 to 40 percent.
It was agreed during a discussion between Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, officials and the companies involved in the sale of pesticides locally.
Accordingly, the price reduction will benefit the farmers during the Yala season.
Subject Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has attributed the price reduction to the decrease in prices in the world market, the appreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar and the decision by the government to release adequate US Dollars for imports.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has agreed to obtain the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy to prevent the smuggling of pesticides into the country.
Furthermore, a decision has also been taken to impose additional penalties and ban the companies that import substandard pesticides.
