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of production inputs at reasonable prices, were aspects that received attention. This
enabled the farmers to increase productivity per unit area of land. To support and
sustain this process, the government continued to strengthen the irrigation system of
the country. Additional water resources were developed; the existing large- and
small-tank irrigation systems were renovated, rehabilitated, and maintained; shallow
and deep groundwater resources were harnessed through agro-wells and tube wells;
farmers and farmer organizations were trained in water management; and the
irrigation infrastructure was maintained to maximize the use of this scarce resource.
Creation of an institutional base to build a vibrant and well-articulated people's
organization was followed by strong policy.
Although marketing and prices for agricultural produce have been left
largely to market forces, the government has ensured a reasonable price to farmers
through a floor-price scheme. The government also facilitates the marketing of
agricultural produce to ensure that farmers are protected.
To attain sustainable growth with equity through a contin~~ous process of
development, a conscious effort has been niade by the government to decentralize
administrative power to the lowest possible operational level and to blend political
leadership and administration to make decisions on resource allocation, monitoring
programs, and implementation. Programs have also been aimed at environmental
protection and poverty alleviation. For example, in our lead project (the
Janasaviya), the poverty-alleviation program seeks to invest in the poor and equip
them to move away from the poverty trap and to become partners in development.
We have recognized that any program designed for those groups must necessarily be
environmentally sustainable.
Despite these efforts, the pace of development, particularly in the agrarian
sector, has been below expectations. Is this because some of the technologies that
have been provided to the farmers are not appropriate to the social, economic, and
cultural environment? Often, researchers, policymakers, and administrators claim
that the technologies that have been developed are successful and that the farmers
have benefited. However, if the effects are carefully analyzed, reality is far from this
situation.
Tn view of the mixed results of past policies, Sri Lanka is embarking on an
innovative, forward-looking, aggressive policy in agricultural development. The
overriding goal of agricultural development will continue to be directed toward
achieving self-sufficiency in food (particularly rice). The principal aim of :igricultural
development progriims will be to contribute to increase rural household incomes to
levels comparable with those of families in other sectors of the economy. The main
instruments will be the use of modern production and marketing techniques,
diversification of the portfolio of crops, and expansion of off-farm sources of
income.
The challenges of providing adequate food and an improved living standard
for the farming population must be considered seriously. A conflict in the
agricultural sector is the difficulty of providing food to the people at a reasonable
price while ensuring a high quality of life for the farmers. High consumer prices may