(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Considering the current crisis situation in the country, the government has decided to allocate Rs. 31 billion to restart the home gardening program with the aim of increasing food production and the cabinet approval has been received for the initiative.
Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa has stated that home gardening will be resumed throughout the country in the same manner as it was during the tenure of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa as President.
Speaking at a special press conference held at the Ministry of Finance on Monday, the Minister noted that the prices of vegetables and fruits have gone up these days and the best solution for the rising prices is to cultivate home gardens.
An allowance of Rs. 5,000 will be given for the cultivation of crops in 1,836,266 home gardens of less than 20 perches in the country. In addition, an allowance of Rs. 10,000 will be given for cultivation 2,238,831 home gardens of more than 20 perches but less than an acre.
The money will be given to use preparation of land for cultivation and to purchase seeds and seedlings. The process will be supervised by the Divisional Secretary, two village officials and community leaders.
If the cultivation is done properly, after six months, the government will provide another Rs. 5000 for a land under 20 perches and Rs. 10,000 for a garden less than an acre.
Minister Rajapaksa said this is a joint venture between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Plantation and the Ministry of Public Administration and that an estimated Rs. 31 billion has been allocated for this purpose.
