World News for Students of English

16-11-2021 07:00

Sri Lanka’s decision to ban imports of chemical fertilizers has now led to protests by farmers. In May, the ban was introduced for environmental reasons; however, the farming industry went into crisis because of it.

For weeks, thousands of farmers protested after the Sri Lankan government announced that it wanted to move towards 100% organic agriculture, as it was more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Many farmers argue that the move will hurt the industry and harm the country’s food amount.

Almost two thirds of Sri Lanka’s population depends on agriculture, and the industry is 7% of the country’s GDP.

Early monsoon season usually means the start of planting for rice farmers across the country; however, this year, many are planting less than usual as they wait for the government’s assistance to shift to organic farming. The Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged that the shift has been shaky; however, various industries of the society support it.

Difficult words: GDP (the total value of all the finished goods and services produced by a country), acknowledge (to admit the truth or existence of something), shaky (without stability or firmness).

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