Farmers belonging to 41 farmers’ organisations in the Elahera area in Polonnaruwa commenced a continuous hunger strike [October 24], demanding the immediate supply of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides required for the Maha cultivating season.
The farmers also held a protest and then commenced the hunger strike near Bakamuna town on the Mahiyanganaya-Dambulla main road.
Speaking to the media, the farmers said that despite repeated requests to provide fertiliser for their crops, the Government has not responded favourably. They pointed out that the maize cultivations being carried out in the area have completely been destroyed due to the lack of fertiliser, and if the chemical fertilisers are not provided, that paddy cultivations will also be destroyed.
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In addition, the Karandeniya Cinnamon and Minor Export Crop Growers’ Association alleged that cinnamon cultivations have been severely damaged due to the lack of chemical fertilisers. The Association Chairman Dharshana Lakruwan told the media that the yield and quality of the cinnamon plantations had dropped drastically. “Therefore, the Government should immediately intervene and formulate a programme to provide chemical fertilisers to farmers in enough stocks,” he added.
