Sri Lanka to ban use of maize for production of alcohol & ethanol

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa directed the subject Minister and officials to intervene to stop irregularities in purchasing crops, including turmeric and maize, from farmers.

Local farmers have expanded the cultivation of turmeric and maize. Harvesting in the next season is nearing. The President emphasized that farmers should receive a fair price for their produce. The government should intervene to stop stockpiling by traders and other irregularities taking place, the President said.

He also highlighted the need for a mechanism to collect quality seeds for the 2021 and 2022 Maha seasons. He has given orders to destroy stocks of turmeric illegally imported by businessmen.

The Director-General of Customs and the Inspector General of Police have been instructed to strictly enforce the law against unscrupulous businessmen.

The Commissioner-General of Excise was directed to issue a gazette notification banning the use of maize for the production of alcohol and ethanol.

President Rajapaksa emphasized the need to ensure a bigger market for turmeric, maize as well as cowpea, undu, green gram, sesame and sorghum, instead of granting loan facilities to grain collectors.

Banks were instructed to identify entrepreneurs and maintain inventory information commensurate with the loan amount. President Rajapaksa also said that the Central Bank of Sri Lanka should focus on providing development financing.

All District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, Commissioners of Agrarian Services and field officers should purchase agricultural produce in order to strengthen the farming community, he said.

The President also instructed officials to be vigilant to prevent damage caused by insects such as Armyworm caterpillars (‘Sena’). – LBO