Separate bureau with all inputs to mitigate crop damage by animals – Minister

Agriculture, Livestock, Irrigation and Lands Minister K.D. Lalkantha said that a separate bureau established under the Agriculture Department will soon implement a special project to reduce the damage caused to the crops by wild animals while encompassing affected farmers too as stakeholders.

He said that the Agriculture Department, farmers, academics and environmental organisations will be integrated for this purpose.

Addressing the media in Kandy yesterday he said, “Discussions have been held regarding solutions to the problem but nothing viable has been found so far. In addition to crop damage, many other related problems have arisen as the problem has become more and more acute. The problem has now become so serious that farmers are abandoning cultivation.

Farmers now need a short-term solution rather than a long-term answer. If the Agriculture Ministry is accountable to the farmer, we should intervene in this.

“We appreciate the work of all parties, including environmentalists, who are expressing their opinions in this regard.

There are those who look at this issue in a balanced way and there are also extremists. My feeling is that everyone should contribute and reach a solution,”he said.

“The extent of the problem is known only to those who suffer from it. Some sensitive issues are raised in addressing the issue. I don’t care about the mudslinging against the statement I made in Parliament.We are working with determination to do this work. Farmers should be active participants in the process of finding solutions.

“The necessary dialogue regarding this issue has now been created in the society. I wanted to pave the way there. I would like to thank everyone who joined the conversation. Because apart from the talk shops we now need to implement a concrete and serious program to reduce animal damage to food crops,”Minister Lalkantha said.

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