Farmers’ agitation weighs heavily with Govt

(Kelum Bandara Daily Mirror 4th November)

• Total reversion to chemical farming is now unlikely
• Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has sensed the gravity of the problem in the agriculture sector
• The prime minister said the farmers’ protest, like that of the school teachers, would not have snowballed to such an extent had the party engaged them politically
• Public uprisings, coupled with internal squabbling, have sent the government reeling
• Still, there is a vague idea within the government about the extent of cultivation undertaken this time

Farmers’ agitation has become an issue that weighs heavily with the government. Rice, fruit and vegetable growers took to the streets urging the government to provide them with fertilizer for cultivation. The fertilizer shortage, triggered by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s decision to ban chemical farming, is now bound to create multiple effects in the agricultural supply chain; possibly leading to a high cost of living in the end. The political cost is already visible, and the rulers themselves have felt the pinch of it.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has sensed the gravity of the problem in the agriculture sector. Normally, he has taken a back seat in the affairs of the government. Nonetheless, he opened up his mind at the event to mark the fifth anniversary of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) on November 2, 2021 at Nelum Pokuna Theatre. He did mince his words when referring to the problem. In fact, he took an indirect swipe at those calling the shots in the government and the party. The prime minister said the farmers’ protest, like that of the school teachers, would not have snowballed to such an extent had the party engaged them politically. He emphasised that politicking is also important to remain engaged with the people rather than leaving it to government officials.

Otherwise, he said the forces that the SLPP defeated would capture the political momentum for their ends.

The prime minister’s remarks did not come out of the blues. Instead, he had observed developments after various radical decisions taken by the president and their political implications for the ruling side. He sounded an alarm for the party in this regard and called for immediate course correction. He also cautioned against creating ruptures with the minor allies of the government, and asked the party to not consider them as mere appendages or sidekicks.  

No matter what, crop reduction is expected. In the event of it, it will lead to a supply shortage of items such as rice, maize and vegetables. In the Maha season, 800,000 hectares are normally cultivated with rice. According to State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa, 435,000 have been or are under cultivation at the moment

Public uprisings, coupled with internal squabbling, have sent the government reeling.

Food crop cultivations have already been hampered since farmers, in some cases, are reluctant to work their fields due to uncertainty over availability of fertilizer despite the government having taken some measures to bring consignments of Nano liquid nitrogen fertilizer from India to be used as a substitute for Urea hitherto used in the agricultural areas. Lack of cultivation means impact on food security. In addition to recovering from the political shock of the farmers’ struggle, the government has now been compelled to look for measures to avert any impact on food security.

Still, there is a vague idea within the government about the extent of cultivation undertaken this time. Proper reports have not been worked out yet though the ruling party politicians give varying figures. No matter what, crop reduction is expected. In the event of it, it will lead to a supply shortage of items such as rice, maize and vegetables. In the Maha season, 800,000 hectares are normally cultivated with rice. According to State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa, 435,000 have been or are under cultivation at the moment. Cultivation for the current season continues until the end of this month.

The government has been compelled to brace any shortage. Mr. Rajapaksa said the government would be ready to import to make up for any shortage in the local supply.

“I don’t think the problem will arise,” he said.

Besides, he said the Agrarian Insurance Board would closely observe the acreage of cultivation this time and identify the farmers involved.

“We will pay them incentive grants in terms of better prices for their produce. We have not decided on the rates yet. But, the Cabinet paper will be presented next Monday for it,” he said.  

Food crop cultivations have already been hampered since farmers, in some cases, are reluctant to work their fields due to uncertainty over availability of fertilizer despite the government having taken some measures to bring consignments of Nano liquid nitrogen fertilizer from India to be used as a substitute for Urea hitherto used in the agricultural areas

Despite practical difficulties involved in the transformation of chemical farming into organic agriculture within a short period, the president is unlikely to budge from his decision in this regard.

Delivering his remarks at a special conference organized by Sri Lanka on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, Scotland, under the theme “Rediscovering Nitrogen: Solutions and Synergies for Climate Change, Health, Biodiversity and Circular Economy”, the president reaffirmed his position about what he termed ‘a new agricultural revolution ‘which is in harmony with nature.  

“My Government’s policy frameworks emphasise sustainability. This is reflected in Sri Lanka’s ambitious updated Nationally Determined Contributions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Mechanism,” President Rajapaksa said.

“The challenge facing us now is to use modern scientific techniques and practices to enhance agricultural production without causing environmental degradation.  For decades, chronic kidney disease has been a serious issue in Sri Lanka’s agricultural heartland. The overuse of chemical fertilizers has contributed significantly to this problem,” the President said.

“Although this action has been broadly appreciated, it has also met with some criticism and resistance. In addition to chemical fertilizer lobby groups, this resistance has come from farmers who have grown accustomed to overusing fertilizer as an easy means of increasing yields,” the President said. “This is particularly unfortunate considering Sri Lanka’s rich agricultural heritage,” the President added.

Total reversion to chemical farming is now unlikely. The total use of organic manure looks unthinkable. As a result, the government appears to have taken a step back to achieve moderation in this regard.