- approximately 8,000 MT of Agro-chemicals and 900,000 MT of chemical fertilizer are imported to Sri Lanka annually. The Ministry of Agriculture has drawn up a Programme to minimize the use of Agro?chemicals and pesticides by 2020, adhering to the following practices:

* minimizing the use of pesticides and agro?chemicals gradually;
* appointment of officers engaged in agriculture extension activities as Plant Physicians in Crop Clinics; and
* the establishment of Organic Villages.

The above information was submitted to the Cabinet by Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Minister of Agriculture.