Farmers face bankruptcy

With fertilizer prices sky-rocketing and concessions promised under the 'Mahinda Chinthana' not reaching farmers, vegetable farmers in Nuwara Eliya are struggling to continue with their business. If this situation continues it could eventually force farms in the up country to close down and drive farmers out of employment.

Back in 1848 an Englishman, Samuel Bakery started a10,000-acre farm in an area close to the region now known as Mahagastota. He introduced vegetables including potatoes, carrots, leeks, beet-root and salad leaves which have provided a livelihood to several farmers over the years.

The concept of President Mahinda Rajapaksa under the "Api Wavamu, Rata Nagamu" is not a reality for the farmers of Nuwara Eliya as the concessions have not been made available to them. Today they are struggling to make ends meet and find markets for their products.