Minister for Agriculture, Dr Mahendra Reddy says as an immediate form of relief to farmers affected by TC Yasa in Northern Division, they are planning to provide them with planting materials so that they can immediately plant crops.
Dr Reddy says it is unfortunate that the agriculture sector in the Northern Division has suffered significantly which includes cash crops, vegetables and sugarcane farms.
He says agricultural officers are on the ground to conduct an assessment to put a dollar value to the damages after which they will be able to assist these farmers in the long term.
Dr Reddy adds he cannot comment on what assistance will be provided to sugarcane farmers as the Sugar Ministry will decide on that.
