The government has already directed the necessary funds amounting the Rs. 5.228 billion to the respective banks. Accordingly, Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board to take measures to issue the relevant certificates of free insurance for every farmer cultivating the six listed crops.

The ceremony to present the insurance certificates to the farmers will be held today under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena. The government so far this year has paid a sum of Rs. 145.57 million as compensation for crop damages.

The Minister encouraged the farmers to grow the listed crops without fear of crop damage and assured that the government will take steps to protect the farmer community when the harvest is not sold or damaged.