The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that the 2026 Yala paddy cultivation in the Northern Province had been successfully completed beyond the expected target, and that the third cultivation season had also commenced with the aim of further strengthening farmers’ livelihoods and food security. He pointed out that paddy cultivation had been carried out on a larger area than originally targeted during the Yala season, and that the scientific management of available water resources to make the necessary arrangements for the third cultivation season represented a significant achievement of the Northern Provincial Department of Agriculture.
The progress review meeting of the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture – Northern Province was held today – on Tuesday 04 August 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor. During the meeting, the 2026 activities, development projects, financial and physical progress of the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture and its affiliated departments were comprehensively reviewed, and measures to further accelerate future activities were also discussed.
Although the target for the 2026 Yala season in the Northern Province had been set at 37,961 hectares of paddy cultivation, cultivation was carried out on 38,405 hectares, exceeding the target. As a result, it was stated that approximately 156,326 metric tons of paddy production are expected.
To further increase paddy productivity, modern cultivation methods such as the seedling transplanting method and the parachute seedling planting method have been expanded, while Yaya-based paddy cultivation programmes have also been successfully implemented in several districts. It was highlighted at the meeting that these programmes have recorded yields of more than six metric tons per hectare in some areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern agricultural technologies.
During the review of the progress of Irrigation Department, it was reported that, based on the water levels in reservoirs, water distribution management and coordinated consultations with farmers, the third cultivation season in the Northern Province had commenced at Vannerikulam. It was further stated that continuous measures are being taken to ensure the irrigation facilities required for uninterrupted cultivation, while major and minor irrigation schemes, canal and reservoir rehabilitation works, irrigation infrastructure improvement projects, and investment programmes to strengthen water distribution to farmers across the province are progressing according to the planned schedule.
The meeting also extensively discussed the fact that some projects established under the Agricultural Modernization Project have not yet reached full operational status. The Governor instructed officials to examine the feasibility of restoring them to operational status as quickly as possible, submit appropriate recommendations to the central Ministry of Agriculture and take the necessary action.
Furthermore, the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture stated that steps have been taken to implement uniform standards across all Ammachi restaurants operating under the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture – Northern Province. In particular, he noted that measures are being taken to completely eliminate the use of polythene and plastic and to implement environmentally friendly alternatives.
Taking into account the impacts of the El Niño climate phenomenon, the Governor instructed that all projects should be implemented with due caution and that planning should ensure the maximum utilization of available resources. The shortage of personnel in the Provincial Department of Animal Production and Health was also discussed in detail, and advice was given to proceed with procedures to fill essential vacancies on a contract basis. In addition, the Governor instructed that efforts be expedited to bring the Vaddakkachchi Farm, which has been released by the military, into full operational status as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, officials stated that most of the 2026 work programmes of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Irrigation, and the Department of Animal Production and Health are expected to be completed by October. At the same time, the meeting also extensively discussed the challenges in procuring raw materials for implementing certain development projects, along with practical measures to resolve them.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Governor’s Secretary, the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Deputy Chief Secretaries (Finance, Planning, Engineering Services and Administration), Provincial Directors of the Departments of Irrigation and Animal Production and Health, the Additional Provincial Director of the Department of Agriculture, the Provincial Director of the Department of Buildings, District Deputy Directors and several other senior officials.
