Focus on promoting local production By Maheesha Mudugamuwa The Government has taken a stern decision not to import turmeric under any circumstance to the country despite the increase of prices in the local market due to a severe shortage, Co-Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Bandula Gunawardana said. He told The Morning that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has clearly mentioned that permission would not be given to import turmeric and that instead, measures must be taken to promote local farming. “Turmeric has been imported from India and due to the Covid-19 situation imports have been halted. However, steps will be taken to promote local turmeric cultivation,” he said, adding that a fake shortage has been created by turmeric importers during elections to make the Government uncomfortable and that therefore, the Government will not fall into their traps. Sri Lanka currently has a requirement of approximately 400,000 kg of turmeric for local consumption. Prior to the import ban, the price per kilogramme of turmeric stood at Rs. 325 with an import tax of Rs. 102. Turmeric is grown in wet and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka as a monocrop and an intercrop under coconut. The major growing districts are Kurunegala, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Matale, and Ampara.