“We must all move in the same direction for the welfare of the people, without administrative divisions such as central and provincial authorities, in order to develop the agricultural sector. The positive cooperation extended by the Department of Agrarian Services to resolve the long-standing issues faced by Northern farmers and provincial officials has given new hope to our provincial farming community,” stated that, Hon. Governor of Northern Province N. Vethanayahan.
Following a request made by Northern Province Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan, Commissioner General of the Department of Agrarian Services, Dhammika Ranatunga, visited the North today – on Friday, 15 May 2026. During a high-level discussion held at the Governor’s Secretariat regarding agricultural development and future plans for the Northern Province, the Governor made the above remarks.
Pointing out that agriculture is the main livelihood of the Northern Province, the Governor stated that this meeting had been arranged as a continuation of discussions previously held two months ago with the Director General of Agriculture. He noted that many tanks under the administration of the Department of Agrarian Services had not been rehabilitated for a long period, which resulted in damages during the recent “Ditwah” disaster. He also brought to the Commissioner’s attention issues such as the Department of Forest Conservation taking over tanks belonging to Agrarian Services in 2012 using Google Maps assistance, and the reduction in agricultural productivity in areas including Kilinochchi due to the absence of saltwater barriers. He further emphasized the urgent need for paddy storage facilities, drying floors, and machinery required by the North.
Responding to these concerns, the Commissioner General of Agrarian Services thanked the Governor for the opportunity to study agricultural development in the North. He commended the Northern Province for its significant contribution to paddy and red onion production and stated that the department was paying full attention to approximately 2,000 minor tanks in the province.
During the discussion, the Secretary to the Northern Provincial Ministry of Agriculture presented a detailed document containing special project proposals and matters requiring further examination.
Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that provincial officials are not invited only for initial discussions when implementing agricultural projects, but that progress reviews should also be conducted periodically with the provincial administration.
The meeting also extensively discussed matters raised by the Secretary of the Agriculture Ministry:
>>> The Commissioner General assured that tanks under the Department of Agrarian Services that could be handed over to the Provincial Irrigation Department should be identified through District Secretaries and submitted with the approval of the District Coordination Committee, and that the department was ready to transfer them.
>>> The Commissioner expressed full support for a new approach to collect agricultural data for crops other than paddy, similar to the data collection currently done for paddy cultivation.
>>> He stated that the request to provide subsidized fertilizer not only for paddy but also for alternative crops at prices lower than market rates would be considered.
>>> Attention was also given to including region – specific cash crops under the free crop insurance scheme.
>>> The Commissioner clarified that a special request had already been submitted to the National Planning Department regarding the construction of agricultural roads. Discussions were also held on involving farmer organizations in all activities and on plans to improve drainage systems in Jaffna.
District-level issues were also discussed in detail. Responding to a request from the Mannar District Secretary, the Commissioner stated that a circular permitting soil filling in paddy lands affected by the “Ditwah” disaster would be issued soon. Agreement was also reached to urgently address issues relating to tractors donated by the Government of India in Jaffna and agricultural lands in Mullaitivu currently under the control of the Forest Department.
In addition, considering the Northern paddy harvesting season, the Kilinochchi District Secretary made special requests to resolve obstacles caused by general circulars, increase the guaranteed purchasing price of minor-season paddy from Rs. 120, and allow District Secretariats access to the Department of Agrarian Services’ online data platform to monitor additional cultivation carried out by farmers.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of implementing across the province the successful accounting practices used by farmer organizations in Vavuniya District.
Special agricultural projects currently being implemented in the province were also reviewed.
Although several initiatives are being carried out under the “Smallholder Agribusiness and Resilience Project” implemented in Vavuniya and Mannar districts to improve farmers’ sustainability and market opportunities, it was pointed out that progress had not reached the expected level. Provincial and district administrations assured their full cooperation to accelerate the project.
Furthermore, the “Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project,” which is nearing completion, was reviewed, and agreement was reached to establish a provincial-level steering committee to monitor the progress of the “RURBAN” project.
The meeting was attended by the Northern Province Chief Secretary, Secretary to the Governor, District Secretaries, Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Provincial Director of Agriculture – Northern Province, Provincial Director of Irrigation – Northern Province, Additional Director (Research) – Kilinochchi, Deputy and Assistant Commissioners of the Department of Agrarian Development from all five districts, Deputy Directors of Irrigation and Agriculture Departments, District Directors of Agriculture, and directors of the CSIAP, SARP, RURBAN and other projects.
