The Government has allocated Rs.3 billion for compensation as prevailing dry weather damages agricultural land across several districts, with approximately 7,000 farmers and nearly 8,000 acres reported affected.
The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board says assessments of damaged farmland are underway before compensation is paid. (Ada Derana, The Morning)
Which areas are affected?
Crop damage has been reported across several major agricultural districts.
Current reports identify affected cultivation in:
- Monaragala
- Polonnaruwa
- Hambantota
- Anuradhapura
- Ampara
Reported paddy damage alone includes 1,923 acres in Anuradhapura, 1,401 acres in Monaragala, 1,259 acres in Polonnaruwa, 1,055 acres in Ampara and 783 acres in Hambantota. (The Morning)
How much compensation is available?
The Government has allocated Rs.3,000 million for crop-damage compensation.
According to current information attributed to the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, compensation of Rs.100,000 per hectare is available for six covered crops:
paddy, maize, big onions, potatoes, soybeans and chillies.
Compensation is reported to be limited to a maximum of five acres per farmer. (Newsfirst)
Assessment comes before payment
The Rs.3 billion allocation does not mean that every affected farmer automatically receives the same payment.
The extent of damage to individual farms must be assessed, and compensation depends on the applicable crop and eligible damaged area.
The Board has said inspections and assessments are underway, with compensation expected after the process is completed. (Ada Derana)
Part of a wider dry-weather impact
The agricultural losses are occurring alongside broader water shortages.
Separate Disaster Management Centre figures indicate that 84,545 people across seven districts have been affected by prevailing dry conditions and more than 75,000 people are receiving drinking-water assistance. (The Morning)
Sineth News covers that humanitarian and water-supply impact separately.
Key facts
- Government allocation: Rs.3 billion
- Farmers affected: Around 7,000
- Farmland affected: Nearly 8,000 acres
- Reported rate: Rs.100,000 per hectare
- Maximum: Five acres per farmer
- Covered crops: Paddy, maize, big onions, potatoes, soybeans and chillies