Today is the 5th day of the committee stage discussion of the budget. Votes on accounts of the ministries of agriculture, plantations, Mahaweli Development and Environment, Irrigation and water resource management are taken up for discussion today. President Maithripala Sirisena also came to the parliament to listen to the debate.

Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka who spoke on the occasion pointed out the need of having a proper programme to issue cheque with regard to the fertilizer subsidy given for tea. Furthermore, the Tea Shakthi plants which have been closed should be reopened without creating burden to the government. The minister also said although the tea prices declined recently it is now increasing gradually. He also pointed out the need of searching for new markets to create a stable price for tea.

Minister Duminda Dissanayake who responded to a question raised at the debate disclosed 35 billion rupees have been allocated for the fertilizer subsidy. The amount allocated for it has not been reduced. The ministry of agriculture is to implement two massive projects with the support of the World Bank and the Asian development Bank next year.

Parliamentarian Chamal Rajapakse commended the programme to provide fertilizer subsidy. The harvest has increased as a result of it. He also pointed out the need of cultivating agricultural products that are imported at present in order to encourage farmers.

State Minister Wasantha Aluvihare said a large amount of money has been allocated from the budget to renovate small tanks. A programme to promote toxic free agriculture is also in progress.

Parliamentarian Athuraliye Rathana Thera who joined the debate the present government has reduced the number of food items that are important. It will be stopped within the next two years. The cooperative sector will be strengthened to sell products of farmers.

The present government is committed to promote toxic free agriculture. However, the previous regime was unable to carry out the process. Therefore, the Thera defined the process as a victory of he national government. Cultivation activities are carried out in 50 thousand acres using organic fertilizer only. The Thera also praised the government's decision to provide money instead of fertilizer.