He said, “If the farmers always follow the traditional methods for their cultivations, it means that they had not been given the modern knowledge and technology by the Agricultural officers.”

 Minister was addressing the opening of the three-storied administrative and research building in Batalegoda at a cost of Rs.260 million. Many development activities in the Agricultural sector will be implemented through this new institution.

 
According to the Minister, today the role of the agricultural officers in agricultural development is very important while a more suitable way should be found to convey the modern knowledge for rural agriculture.

 
The Ministry of Agriculture will implement new projects for rural agricultural development and new proposals are expected from the officials. The halted Agricultural Extension Service will also be resumed immediately by the Ministry.

State Minister of Agriculture Wasantha Aluwihare was also present.