A special sectoral review meeting on the progress of development projects to be implemented in 2026 under the Northern Province Ministry of Agriculture, Agrarian Services, Livestock Development, Irrigation, Fisheries, Water Supply, and Environment was held today – on Thursday evening, 23 April 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat, under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
Through the Provincial Irrigation Department, major infrastructure projects valued at approximately Rs. 1,875 million have been planned. In particular, work to clean and rehabilitate drainage systems in various areas affected by the ‘Dithwa’ disaster and seasonal floods has been accelerated. Additionally, all necessary arrangements have been ensured to improve water management of major and medium sized tanks in the province and to provide uninterrupted water supply for the upcoming minor cultivation season (Yala – 2026).
Through the Department of Agriculture, various production development projects are being implemented with a financial allocation of Rs. 692 million. During the current minor season (Yala – 2026), it is targeted to cultivate subsidiary food crops on approximately 49,814 hectares of land. Farmers are showing particular interest in the cultivation of groundnut (13,000 ha), green gram (2,000 ha), and black gram. Furthermore, Rs. 16 million has been allocated for special grape cultivation projects, and Rs. 215 million for the expansion of modern agricultural technologies.
Through the Department of Animal Production and Health, 97 development projects are being carried out with a financial allocation of Rs. 377 million. Compensation payments to livestock farmers whose livelihoods were affected by the ‘Dithwa’ floods have now reached the final stage. So far, Rs. 110 million has been approved as compensation in Jaffna and Rs. 79 million in Kilinochchi. In addition, essential assistance has been provided to approximately 1,600 farmers through mobile veterinary clinics.
Through the Fisheries Unit, stocking of freshwater fish and prawn fingerlings in tanks across all five districts of the province is being widely implemented at a cost of Rs. 33 million.
After reviewing the progress of development activities, the Hon. Governor emphasized the importance of completing all projects within the stipulated timeframe. He also advised officials to expedite the completion of office buildings that were initiated in the past but remain unfinished, and to bring them into operation without delay. Furthermore, the Governor reviewed the requests presented regarding administrative challenges and provided solutions and further guidance.
The Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Secretary to the Governor, the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Deputy Chief Secretaries, Provincial Directors, and other senior officials participated in this sectoral review meeting.
