Feb 28, Colombo: Ministry of Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services in Sri Lanka says that it is going to provide two-wheel hand tractors to farmers at concessionary prices.

According to the Ministry sources, the farmers will be able to purchase a tractor at a cost of 165,000 rupees, which is just a 30% of the present market value.

The new scheme has been designed in connection with a Japanese aid program. The government of Japan has agreed to provide 2,000 hand tractors for the benefit of Sri Lankan farmers. According to the government sources, 400 hand tractors have already arrived.

The beneficiaries will be required to pay Rs. 25,000 initially with the balance to be paid within three years in 30 installments.

Minister of Agricultural Development & Agrarian Services Development Maithripala Sirisena today obtained the cabinet approval for the memorandum on the new scheme.