Agriculture Ministry’s ‘magic maize’ foil farmers View(s):By D. Ganasiri HettiarachchigeA model maize cultivation in Alikanda area in Manthottama, Ampara, has been completely destroyed after the farmers tried out a hybrid variety of corn given by the Agriculture Ministry. The farmers lamented that five acres of maize had failed, as they were unable to obtain a harvest from the crop which they cultivated. They explained that the Agriculture Ministry introduced the new variety of seed for the first time, and they had cultivated it expecting a better yield. The crops that grew did not yield harvest and those that did yield harvest, produced no seeds, they complained. They called on the Agriculture Department to provide them with a solution to the issue and accept the responsibility of their actions.

Source: Sunday Times January 31, 2026 19:41 UTC