Farmers in Navagaththtegama, Konkadalwala and Gaminipura areas who have harvested pumpkins valued at more than Rs. 10 million were unable to sell their produce.
Hearing the cries for help from these farmers who have taken loans to the tune of lakhs of rupees to grow their crops, Cargill Food City stepped forward to their assistance.
It is reported that with the assistance of the Nawagaththegama District Secretariat and the Puttalam district Samurdi Directorate, the Cargills company began to purchase pumpkins from door to door.
A farmer who benefitted from this initiative expressed his gratitude in this way.
“Our harvest of pumpkins was going to rot. Because our plight was in the news the Cargills company contacted us through the Puttalam District Samurdi Director General and the District Secretary.
“Now we see Cargills coming into our villages and purchasing our harvest. I wish to thank all the officials who contributed towards making this happen,” he said.
A farmer lady whose burden was eased greatly was happy to talk to us.
“We grew pumpkins so we could enjoy a great new year. However, pumpkins began to rot here and there. There was no way to sell our total harvest. We are happy we are now able to sell our produce,” she said.
Comments from the District Director: “Today, the Cargills company has come forward to help solve this problem. I call upon the people of our country to join our effort by purchasing pumpkins. Actually what Cargills is doing is not a business venture but a social service.”