The Commissioner General of the Department of Agrarian Development, Rohana Rajapaksha, has announced that fertiliser subsidy funds for the Yala season will be credited to the bank accounts of farmers in nine districts today.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday (21), he stated that a total of 120 million rupees will be disbursed.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is emphasising the importance of all farmers receiving preventative treatment for leptospirosis (rat fever) before commencing their Yala season paddy cultivation.

Specialist Dr. Thushani Dabarera of the Epidemiology Unit stated that these medications can be obtained free of charge from the Public Health Inspector or the Medical Officer of Health in their respective areas.

The Epidemiology Unit highlights the increased risk of leptospirosis transmission due to the current rainy weather and the commencement of paddy cultivation.

Over 3,000 cases have been reported so far this year.

Key preventative measures include cleaning areas around paddy fields where rats can breed, avoiding entering mud with cuts or abrasions, and taking precautions during Avurudu sports festivals held near paddy fields during this period.