SRI LANKA (Daily News) -- Iran has pledged to sign an agreement with Sri Lanka to provide fertilizer at concessionary rates.
This firm assurance was made by Iranian Ambassador Begnam Bearous who called on Agriculture, Livestock and Lands Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake at his Ministry.
The ambassador pointed out to the Minister that both countries could reach an agreement on fertilizer. He also pledged to provide Iranian technical expertise and agriculture equipment to the Government.
"There are more similarities between Sri Lanka and Iran than differences. I have engaged in my mission as a friendly diplomat in the region," the Iranian Ambassador told the Minister.
Bearous said Iran has obtained expertise from Sri Lanka. Iranian agriculture developed rapidly as a result. "As a friendly country, Iran is deeply committed to assist the Sri Lankan Government and its people," he said.
The Iranian Government is committed to provide technical assistance and equipment for local agriculture. "I will also invite a group of Sri Lankan agriculturalists for a study tour in Iran," the Ambassador told the Minister.
Minister Dissanayake told the Ambassador that there is a huge disparity between the farmer and the consumer.
Farmers have not obtained a fair price for their produce. This is one of the major problems in the local agriculture sphere. It has affected the living conditions of farmers.
The Government is making every possible attempt to upgrade the living conditions of local farmers, the Minister said.
"Earlier, we had advanced seed technologies and seed diversification programs. All these have been destroyed within a short period of time. Private sector enterprises have made a direct impact in this regard," the Minister told the Ambassador.
© Tehran Times 2004
