Western countries that dictate terms and conditions to third world countries not to subsidize farmers, heavily subsidize their farmers, Science and Technology Minister Professor Tissa Vitarana said at a National Seminar on `Bio-Fuel for Transport held at the National Science Foundation yesterday in Colombo. There is no level field play and Sri Lanka has to be ready with bio fuels.

He said that despite Government policy on self sustainability, 85% of sugar is imported, whereas sugar could be grown in Sri Lanka. As by - products of sugar Sri Lanka could produce ethanol which could be converted into fuel.

Vitarana also said algae plants which are easily accessible in the coastal areas, could also be used to produce bio fuels.