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Farmers challenge harvest time diktat
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H.M.M.Dayananda
A group of farmers in a village in the Puttalam district is faced with an unusual order by the farmer organisation that if the paddy is harvested before a specific date, the farmers would be fined Rs 10,000.
The direction has been given to farmers who use irrigation waters from the Pandiyamaduwa tank in Mahakumbukkadawala.
Some 300 acres had been cultivated.
At a farmer meeting it was decided that cultivation should take place by April 15 and the harvesting should be on August 5.
However, due to dry weather and risks from elephants, some farmers who have tried to harvest their crop before the given date have been ordered to pay a fine of Rs 10,000.
W.D. Malani
Farmers claim that the crop had matured and they are ready to harvest.
Farmer W.M. Wijesena, said that although the crop was ready for harvesting, they have been forced to hold back, despite risks of elephants intruding onto their lands.
W.M. Wijesena
W.D. Malani, said it was an unreasonable decision to impose a fine.
H.M.M.Dayananda said that the decision had been taken in the presence of officials but it was questionable.
However, Divisional Secretary for the Mahakumbukadawala area said that she had not heard about the decision and said that farmers had the right to harvest their crop.
But, villagers claim that farmer organisations were trying to take the upper hand and that the government should look into the allegation. Pix and Text by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe
Farmers are seen unloading their harvest following the order
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