Fuel shortage threatens paddy harvest of 800,000 acres – Farmers’ Union

By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, March 5 (Daily Mirror) - The Chairman of the National Farmers’ Union, Anuradha Tennakoon, has warned that this year’s harvesting operations are at serious risk as the government reportedly has fuel stocks sufficient for only one month, while at least eight million litres of diesel are required to harvest around 800,000 acres of paddy fields.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Tennakoon said the prevailing fuel shortage has severely affected farmers in major agricultural districts, including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Mahaweli Zone C, where harvesting is currently underway.

“It is estimated that at least eight million litres of diesel are needed to harvest 800,000 acres. A harvester consumes between 10 and 12 litres of diesel per acre. However, the government reportedly has stocks sufficient for only one month. If these limited stocks are not properly managed and prioritised for agricultural activities, the country could face a serious food crisis in the near future,” he said.

Tennakoon pointed out that it is impractical to transport harvesters or water pumps to fuel stations. As a result, farmers usually obtain fuel in barrels or transport it using bullock carts.

However, he alleged that many fuel stations have refused to release fuel for external transport, leaving farmers in a difficult situation.