The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, emphasized that an evaluation should be carried out at the beginning of next year to assess the outcomes of this year’s programs, as well as the changes in the standard of living of the people.
The monthly review meeting to evaluate the financial and physical progress of projects implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture, Agrarian Services, Livestock Development, Irrigation, Fisheries, Water Supply, and Environment was held on Wednesday (03rd September 2025) at the Governor’s Secretariat, under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor.
In his opening remarks, the Governor pointed out that although millions of rupees had been invested through the Ministry of Agriculture in recent years, it is crucial to determine to what extent farmers’ living standards have actually improved. He instructed officials to give special consideration to voiceless farmers—actively identifying their needs and ensuring those needs are addressed.
The progress of each department, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Livestock Development, and the Department of Irrigation, was then reviewed in detail. The Governor paid close attention to the individual achievements and challenges of each project.
He further noted that while irrigation projects had significantly increased short-term crop yields, the role of irrigation in these improvements was often underreported. He stressed the importance of highlighting how farmers’ lives have been transformed, particularly through the expansion of cultivable land following the renovation of tanks and canals.
Additionally, the Governor approved a proposal to allocate funds next year for the accurate collection of data on livestock and other related sectors.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Secretary to the Governor, the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Planning, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Finance, and the Directors of the Departments of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Development, along with District Directors.
