Identify cultivable lands in urban areas: PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed officials to identify cultivable utility lands in urban areas as a solution to the upcoming food crisis.

The Prime Minister met with representatives of the agriculture sector today (27) to discuss the food shortage and the food crisis in the country.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister stated that US $ 600 million is required to ensure an adequate supply of fertilizer to which the officials informed that the banks need to issue dollars, after which the fertilizer companies will be able to supply the required amount of fertilizer.

The Prime Minister also explained that a new Act will be introduced in Parliament to ensure the continuous supply and distribution of agricultural commodities, dubbed the Essential Agricultural Supply Act.

Prime Minister also pointed out that the world is facing a shortage of wheat and fertilizer due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, and explained that as the shortage exacerbated, Sri Lanka's food supply would deteriorate if immediate remedial action was not taken.

The country is in a dangerous situation and a concerted effort is needed to recover, he added.