Japan grants Rs. 468 million to boost agriculture activities in Sri Lanka

The Japanese government has extended a grant of Rs. 468 million (380 million Yen) to purchase tractors as a measure to boost the agriculture activities in eight provinces of Sri Lanka.
The government of Japan has provided the funds under the Japanese Grant Assistance for Food Security Project or the 2KR program to purchase 946 tractors for distribution among needy farmers and for use in two seed farms in Northern areas through farmer organizations in 25 districts. The consignment of tractors consists of 896 two-wheel tractors and 50 four-wheel tractors. The 50 four-wheel tractors have been handed over in December 2011. A total of 63 two-wheel tractors and 2 four-wheel tractors will be provided to farmers in the Southern Province. At a ceremony held in Matara Monday 5 two-wheel tractors have been handed over to farmers. Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Ambassador of Japan Nobuhito Hobo and Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office Harumi Ao participated at the handing over ceremony. In 2010 Japan has extended Rs. 157 million under the 2KR Counterpart Funds for improving two government seed farms in Murunkan and Paranthan, and for providing essential farming equipment for use by farmers. In addition to this grant, in 2010 Japan extended Rs. 157 million under the 2KR Counterpart Funds for improving two government seed farms in Murunkan and Paranthan, and for providing essential farming equipment for use by farmers. Farmers need quality seeds, equipment and machinery for improving productivity and sustaining their livelihoods. The people and the Government of Japan hope that the assistance provided will be effectively used for improving agriculture activities in the country and to uplift the living conditions of the people.